U.S. patent number 10,295,784 [Application Number 15/389,176] was granted by the patent office on 2019-05-21 for imaging system with movable tray of selectable optical elements.
The grantee listed for this patent is Xing Du. Invention is credited to Xing Du.
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United States Patent |
10,295,784 |
Du |
May 21, 2019 |
Imaging system with movable tray of selectable optical elements
Abstract
An imaging system for directing one or more optical signals to
one or more imaging elements is provided. The imaging system may
include an optical element tray. The optical element tray may
include optical elements having optical characteristics different
from each other. The optical element tray may be configured to be
moveable to form one or more optical paths each allowing an optical
signal to travel to an imaging element through none, one, or
several of the optical elements. In various embodiments, the one or
more optical paths may each be selected from a plurality of linear
and nonlinear paths formed by the optical elements in the optical
element tray and/or additional optical elements external to the
optical element tray. In some embodiments, the optical element tray
may be moveable along its axis of rotation and/or rotated to
enhance image stability of the imaging system.
Inventors: |
Du; Xing (Newport Beach,
CA) |
Applicant: |
Name |
City |
State |
Country |
Type |
Du; Xing |
Newport Beach |
CA |
US |
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Family
ID: |
58498501 |
Appl.
No.: |
15/389,176 |
Filed: |
December 22, 2016 |
Prior Publication Data
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Document
Identifier |
Publication Date |
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US 20170102515 A1 |
Apr 13, 2017 |
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Related U.S. Patent Documents
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Application
Number |
Filing Date |
Patent Number |
Issue Date |
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15360764 |
Nov 23, 2016 |
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PCT/CN2015/084913 |
Jul 23, 2015 |
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14612253 |
Feb 2, 2015 |
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14673580 |
Mar 30, 2015 |
10126531 |
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Foreign Application Priority Data
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May 13, 2015 [CN] |
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2015 1 0243445 |
May 13, 2015 [CN] |
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2015 2 0307159 U |
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Current U.S.
Class: |
1/1 |
Current CPC
Class: |
G02B
7/04 (20130101); G02B 13/0065 (20130101); G02B
7/16 (20130101); G02B 27/646 (20130101); G02B
7/006 (20130101); G02B 13/0075 (20130101) |
Current International
Class: |
G02B
7/16 (20060101); G02B 7/00 (20060101); G02B
13/00 (20060101); G02B 27/64 (20060101); G02B
7/04 (20060101) |
Field of
Search: |
;359/821,557 |
References Cited
[Referenced By]
U.S. Patent Documents
Foreign Patent Documents
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103513394 |
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Jan 2014 |
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CN |
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203535358 |
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Apr 2014 |
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CN |
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203982057 |
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Dec 2014 |
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CN |
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2013094811 |
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Jun 2013 |
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WO |
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Other References
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Opinion dated Nov. 11, 2015", 5 pgs. cited by applicant .
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2015", 6 pgs. cited by applicant .
"U.S. Appl. No. 14/612,253, Preliminary Amendment filed Mar. 24,
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"U.S. Appl. No. 14/673,580, Non Final Office Action dated Jul. 27,
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"U.S. Appl. No. 14/673,580, Response filed Jun. 29, 2017 to Final
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"U.S. Appl. No. 14/673,580, Advisory Action dated Jul. 14, 2017", 5
pgs. cited by applicant .
"U.S. Appl. No. 14/673,580, Final Office Action dated May 5, 2017",
17 pgs. cited by applicant .
"U.S. Appl. No. 14/673,580, Response filed Oct. 27, 2016 to Non
Final Office Action mailed", 10 pgs. cited by applicant .
"U.S. Appl. No. 14/673,580, Notice of Allowance dated Jul. 12,
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"U.S. Appl. No. 15/360,764, Corrected Notice of Allowability dated
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"U.S. Appl. No. 15/360,764, Notice of Allowance dated Aug. 15,
2018", 9 pgs. cited by applicant.
|
Primary Examiner: Deherrera; Kristina M
Attorney, Agent or Firm: Schwegman Lundberg & Woessner,
P.A.
Parent Case Text
CROSS REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS
This application is a continuation-in-part of, and claims benefits
to, U.S. patent application Ser. No. 15/360,764, entitled "IMAGING
SYSTEM WITH MOVABLE TRAY OF SELECTABLE OPTICAL ELEMENTS", filed
Nov. 23, 2016, which is a continuation-in-part of, and claims
benefits to, International Patent Application No.
PCT/CN2015/084913, entitled "OPTICAL PATH CHANGING SYSTEM AND
IMAGING DEVICE", filed Jul. 23, 2015, which claims priority to U.S.
patent application Ser. No. 14/612,253, entitled "MOTORIZED
INTERCHANGEABLE LENS SYSTEM", filed Feb. 2, 2015, U.S. patent
application Ser. No. 14/673,580, entitled "MOTORIZED
INTERCHANGEABLE LENS SYSTEM", filed Mar. 30, 2015, Chinese Patent
Application No. 201510243445.7, entitled "OPTICAL PATH CHANGING
SYSTEM AND IMAGING DEVICE" filed May 13, 2015, and Chinese Utility
Model Patent Application No. 201520307159.8, entitled "OPTICAL PATH
CHANGING SYSTEM AND IMAGING DEVICE", filed May 13, 2015, which are
incorporated herein by reference in their entirety.
Claims
What is claimed is:
1. A system for directing optical signals to one or more imaging
elements, comprising: a first optical entrance configured to
receive a first optical signal; a second optical entrance
configured to receive a second optical signal; an optical element
tray having a central axis and configured to be rotatable about the
central axis to each position selected from a plurality of
positions to allow for formation of one or more optical paths each
directing an optical signal of the first and second optical signals
to an imaging element of the one or more imaging elements, the
optical element tray including: one or more optical window openings
each positioned to receive the first optical signal and allow the
first optical signal to travel through a selected optical window of
the one or more optical windows in a direction substantially
parallel to the central axis; one or more optical channels each
positioned to receive the second optical signal and allow the
second optical signal to travel in a direction substantially
perpendicular to the central axis; an incoming reflector configured
and positioned to receive the second optical signal from the second
optical entrance and redirect the second optical signal to a
selected optical channel of the one or more optical channels; and
an outgoing reflector configured and positioned to receive the
second optical signal from the selected optical channel and
redirect the second optical signal toward an imaging element of the
one or more imaging elements; and a plurality of first optical
elements having optical characteristics different from each other,
the first optical elements each placed in an optical window opening
of the one or more optical window openings or an optical channel of
the one or more optical channels, wherein the optical element tray
is configured to be rotatable to a position allowing for formation
of a first optical path of the one or more optical paths, the first
optical path including the first optical entrance and the selected
optical window opening, wherein the optical element tray is
configured to be rotatable to a position allowing for formation of
a second optical path of the one or more optical paths, the second
optical path including the second optical entrance, the incoming
reflector, the selected optical channel, and the outgoing
reflector.
2. The system of claim 1, further comprising one or more second
optical elements each placed in front of an imaging element of the
one or more imaging elements such that the first optical signal or
the second optical signal travels through a second optical element
of the one or more second optical elements after travelling through
an optical window opening of the one or more optical window
openings or an optical channel of the one or more optical channels
and before reaching an imaging element of the one or more imaging
elements.
3. The system of claim 2, wherein the one or more second optical
elements each comprise one or more lenses.
4. The system of claim 2, wherein the one or more second optical
elements each comprise one or more filters.
5. The system of claim 1, further comprising: one or more guide
poles each having a longitudinal axis and positioned with the
longitudinal axis parallel to the central axis of the optical
element tray; and one or more sliders each placed over a guide pole
of the guide poles and configured to displace along that guide
pole, and wherein the optical element tray is affixed to the one or
more guide poles or the one or more sliders to allow displacement
of the optical element tray along the central axis of rotation of
the optical element tray.
6. The system of claim 5, wherein the optical element tray is
affixed to the one or more guide poles.
7. The system of claim 5, wherein the optical element tray is
affixed to the one or more sliders.
8. The system of claim 1, wherein the one or more imaging elements
comprise a plurality of imaging elements.
9. The system of claim 8, wherein the one or more optical window
openings and the one or more optical channels are arranged in the
optical element tray in a manner allowing the multiple optical
signals to be received by multiple imaging elements of the
plurality of imaging elements simultaneously.
10. The system of claim 1, wherein the optical element tray is
configured for the rotation of the optical element tray to be
controlled to compensate for shaking of the system in a direction
tangent to a direction of the rotation of the optical element
tray.
11. An optical imaging system, comprising: one or more optical
entrances each configured to receive an optical signal of a first
optical signal and a second optional signal; one or more optical
imaging elements configured to capture one or more photographic
images; an optical element tray having a central axis and
configured to be rotated about the central axis, the optical
element tray configured to be moveable to form one or more optical
paths each allowing the received optical signal to travel to an
imaging element of the one or more imaging elements, the optical
element tray including: one or more optical window openings each
configured to receive the first optical signal from an optical
entrance of the one or more optical entrances and allow passage of
the first optical signal in a direction substantially parallel to
the central axis; one or more optical channels each configured to
receive the second optical signal from an optical entrance of the
one or more optical entrances and allow passage of the second
optical signal in a direction substantially perpendicular to the
central axis; an incoming reflector configured and positioned to
receive the second optical signal and redirect the second optical
signal to a selected optical channel of the one or more optical
channels; an outgoing reflector configured and positioned to
receive the second optical signal from the selected optical channel
and redirect the second optical signal toward an optical imaging
element of the one or more optical imaging elements; and a
plurality of first optical elements having optical characteristics
different from each other and each placed in an optical window
opening of the one or more optical window openings or an optical
channel of the one or more optical channels; and a motor configured
to rotate the optical element tray to a position of a plurality of
positions each allowing the one or more optical paths to be
formed.
12. The system of claim 11, comprising a camera including the one
or more optical entrances, the one or more optical imaging
elements, the optical element tray, and the motor.
13. The system of claim 12, comprising a cellphone including the
camera.
14. The system of claim 12, wherein the one or more optical
entrances comprise multiple optical entrances, the one or more
optical imaging elements comprise multiple optical imaging
elements, and the optical element tray is configured to form
multiple optical paths of the one or more optical paths.
15. The system of claim 14, wherein the camera is configured to
produce a 3-dimensional photographic image.
16. The system of claim 12, further comprising one or more second
optical elements, wherein the one or more optical paths include one
or more optical paths each allowing the received optical signal to
travel to an imaging element of the one or more imaging elements
through one or more first optical elements of the plurality of
first optical elements and a second optical element of the one or
more second optical elements.
17. The system of claim 12, further comprising one or more guide
poles each having a longitudinal axis and positioned with the
longitudinal axis parallel to the central axis of the optical
element tray, and wherein the optical element tray is configured to
be displaceable along the one or more guide poles, and the camera
is configured to adjust a length of at least one optical path of
the one or more optical paths by displacing the optical element
tray along the one or more guide poles.
18. The system of claim 12, wherein the camera is configured to
sense a movement of the camera and to control the motor to rotate
the optical element tray in response to the movement of the camera
being sensed to compensate for shaking of the camera in a direction
tangent to a direction of the rotation of the optical element tray.
Description
TECHNICAL FIELD
This document relates generally to optical imaging and more
particularly to a system for changing an optical path to an imaging
device by selecting optical elements for the optical path using a
movable optical element tray.
BACKGROUND
With the advent of digital cameras and photographing cell phones,
people can better capture pictures and share photos. Current
technology enables pictures to be easily and conveniently
previewed, taken, and reviewed. Digital photography has made
cameras compact, portable, and low-powered. However, certain
trade-offs are often associated with the portability that
miniaturization brings, somewhat undermining the benefits of a
readily accessible form of image-capture and picture quality.
A prime lens has a fixed focal length, so a user must adjust his or
her relative position to get a desired image. This can impede the
capture of an image if there is not enough physical space to
properly frame the desired image. A zoom lens is versatile, can be
adapted to different photo-taking environments, and is more
flexible than the prime lens in term of view finding. When using a
zoom lens, a user is able to transition from a wide-angle view to a
telephoto view with a single zoom lens without the need to
physically move and thus capture alternative views. However, such
flexibility is usually at the expense of compromising picture
quality, and the image quality from a zoom lens is usually poorer
than that from a prime lens. The aperture of a zoom lens is usually
smaller than a prime lens, so a zoom lens has less entered light
than a prime lens. In addition, a zoom lens usually has more pieces
of lenses than a prime lens, which results in scattering and
intensity decreasing of the light passing more pieces of lenses. A
prime lens preserves the integrity of an image by virtue of its
simple design. A prime lens has one focal length and fewer moving
parts and lenses than a zoom lens, which yields accuracy of the
mechanism and sharper images.
Additionally, for a camera module to provide zoom lens capability,
the internal construction of the lens is rather complicated. A zoom
lens may generally have over hundreds of individual parts. One
poorly machined part truly squander the financial investment in the
zoom lens, whether at the manufacturing stage or the commercial
stage. Also, zoom lenses usually tend to be bulky and heavy, making
them infeasible where portability is paramount.
Prime (or fixed focal length) camera lenses typically provide
higher quality images than zoom or variable focal length lenses.
Prime lenses also usually tend to be more compact and light weight
than zoom lenses. In many modern imaging devices, particularly
mobile phones, compactness is of utmost importance, making zoom
lenses somewhat impractical. Therefore, most mobile devices do not
have zoom function.
SUMMARY
An imaging system for directing one or more optical signals to one
or more imaging elements is provided. The imaging system may
include an optical element tray. The optical element tray may
include optical elements having optical characteristics different
from each other. The optical element tray may be configured to be
moveable to form one or more optical paths each allowing an optical
signal to travel to an imaging element through none, one, or
several of the optical elements. In various embodiments, the one or
more optical paths may each be selected from a plurality of linear
and nonlinear paths formed by the optical elements in the optical
element tray and/or additional optical elements external to the
optical element tray. In some embodiments, the optical element tray
may be moveable along its axis of rotation and/or rotated to
enhance image stability of the imaging system.
An example ("Example 1") of system for directing one or more
optical signals to one or more imaging elements can include an
optical element tray. The optical element tray may have a central
axis and may be configured to be rotatable about the central axis
to each position selected from a plurality of positions to allow
for formation of one or more optical paths each directing an
optical signal of the one or more optical signals to an imaging
element of the one or more imaging elements. The optical element
tray may include one or more optical window openings, one or more
optical channels, and a plurality of first optical elements having
optical characteristics different from each other. The one or more
optical window openings may each be positioned to receive a first
optical signal of the one or more optical signals and allow the
first optical signal to trawl in a direction substantially parallel
to the central axis. The one or more optical channels may each be
positioned to receive a second optical signal of the one or more
optical signals and allow the second optical signal to travel in a
direction substantially perpendicular to the central axis. The
first optical elements may each be placed in an optical window
opening of the one or more optical window openings or an optical
channel of the one or more optical channels.
In Example 2, the subject matter of Example 1 may optionally be
configured to further include one or more second optical elements
each placed in front of an imaging element of the one or more
imaging elements such that the first optical signal or the second
optical signal travels through a second optical element of the one
or more second optical elements after travelling through an optical
window openings of the one or more optical window openings or an
optical channel of the one or more optical channels and before
reaching an imaging element of the one or more imaging
elements.
In Example 3, the subject matter of Example 2 may optionally be
configured to further include a first optical entrance configured
to receive the first optical signal, and configured such that an
optical window opening is selected from the one or more optical
window openings to receive the first optical signal from the first
optical entrance. The optical element tray is configured to be
rotatable to a position allowing for formation of a first optical
path of the one or more optical paths. The first optical path
includes the first optical entrance, the selected optical window
opening, and a second optical element of the one or more second
optical elements.
In Example 4, the subject matter of any one or any combination of
Examples 2 and 3 may optionally be configured to further include a
second optical entrance configured to receive the second optical
signal, an incoming reflector configured and positioned to receive
the second optical signal from the second optical entrance and
redirect the second optical signal to a selected optical channel of
the one or more optical channels, and an outgoing reflector
configured and positioned to receive the second optical signal from
the selected optical channel and redirect the second optical signal
toward a second optical element of the one or more second optical
elements. The optical element tray is configured to be rotatable to
a position allowing for formation of a second optical path of the
one or more optical paths. The second optical path includes the
second optical entrance, the incoming reflector, the selected
optical channel, the outgoing reflector, and the second optical
element of the one or more second optical elements.
In Example 5, the subject matter of any one or any combination of
Examples 2 to 4 may optionally be configured such that the one or
more second optical elements each include one or more lenses.
In Example 6, the subject matter of any one or any combination of
Examples 2 to 5 may optionally be configured such that the one or
more second optical elements each include one or more filters.
In Example 7, the subject matter of any one or any combination of
Examples 1 to 6 may optionally be configured to further include one
or more guide poles and one or more sliders. The optical element
tray is affixed to the one or more guide poles or the one or more
slides to allow displacement of the optical element tray along the
central axis of rotation of the optical element tray. The one or
more guide poles each have a longitudinal axis and positioned with
the longitudinal axis parallel to the central axis of the optical
element tray. The one or more sliders are each placed over a guide
pole of the guide poles and configured to displace along that guide
pole.
In Example 8, the subject matter of Example 7 may optionally be
configured such that the optical element tray is affixed to the one
or more guide poles.
In Example 9, the subject matter of Example 7 may optionally be
configured such that the optical element tray is affixed to the one
or more sliders.
In Example 10, the subject matter of any one or any combination of
Examples 1 to 9 may optionally be configured such that the one or
more imaging elements include a plurality of imaging elements.
In Example 11, the subject matter of Example 10 may optionally be
configured such that the one or more optical signals include
multiple optical signals, and the one or more optical window
openings and the one or more optical channels are arranged in the
optical element tray in a manner allowing the multiple optical
signals to be received by multiple imaging elements of the
plurality of imaging elements simultaneously.
In Example 12, the subject matter of any one or any combination of
Examples 1 to 11 may optionally be configured such that the optical
element tray is configured for the rotation of the optical element
tray to be controlled to compensate for shaking of the system in a
direction tangent to a direction of the rotation of the optical
element tray.
An example ("Example 13") of an optical imaging system include one
or more optical entrances, one or more optical imaging elements, an
optical element tray, and a motor. The one or more optical
entrances may each be configured to receive an optical signal. The
one or more optical imaging elements may each be configured to
capture one or more photographic images. The optical element tray
may have a central axis and may be configured to be rotated about
the central axis. The optical element tray may include a plurality
of first optical elements having optical characteristics different
from each other, and may be configured to be moveable to form one
or more optical paths each allowing an optical signal to travel to
an imaging element of the one or more imaging elements through one
or more first optical elements of the plurality of first optical
elements. The motor may be configured to rotate the optical element
tray to a position of a plurality of positions each allowing the
one or more optical paths to be formed.
In Example 14, the subject matter of Example 13 may optionally be
configured to include a camera. The camera can include the one or
more optical entrances, the one or more optical imaging elements,
the optical element tray, and the motor.
In Example 15, the subject matter of Example 13 may optionally be
configured to include a cellphone including the camera.
In Example 16, the subject matter of any one or any combination of
Examples 13 to 15 may optionally be configured such that the one or
more optical entrances include multiple optical entrances, the one
or more optical imaging elements include multiple optical imaging
elements, and the optical element tray is configured to form
multiple optical paths of the one or more optical paths.
In Example 17, the subject matter of Example 16 may optionally be
configured such that the camera is configured to produce a
3-dimensional photographic image.
In Example 18, the subject matter of any one or any combination of
Examples 13 to 17 may optionally be configured such that the
optical element tray include one or more optical window openings
each allowing passage of an optical signal in a direction
substantially parallel to the central axis, one or more optical
channels each allowing passage of an optical signal in a direction
substantially perpendicular to the central axis, and one or more
second optical elements. The plurality of first optical elements
includes first optical elements are each placed in an optical
window opening of the one or more optical window openings or an
optical channel of the one or more optical channels. The one or
more optical paths include one or more optical paths each allowing
an optical signal to travel to an imaging element of the one or
more imaging elements through one or more first optical elements of
the plurality of first optical elements and a second optical
element of the one or more second optical elements.
In Example 19, the subject matter of any one or any combination of
Examples 13 to 18 may optionally be configured to further include
one or more guide poles each having a longitudinal axis and
positioned with the longitudinal axis parallel to the central axis
of the optical element tray. The optical element tray is configured
to be displaceable along the one or more guide poles, and the
camera is configured to adjust a length of at least one optical
path of the one or more optical paths by displacing the optical
element tray along the one or more guide poles.
Example 20, the subject matter of any one or any combination of
Examples 13 to 19 may optionally be configured such that the camera
is configured to sense a movement of the camera and to control the
motor to rotate the optical element tray in response to the
movement of the camera being sensed to compensate for shaking of
the camera in a direction tangent to a direction of the rotation of
the optical element tray.
This Summary is an overview of some of the teachings of the present
application and not intended to be an exclusive or exhaustive
treatment of the present subject matter. Further details about the
present subject matter are found in the detailed description and
appended claims. The scope of the present invention is defined by
the appended claims and their legal equivalents.
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS
FIG. 1 illustrates a perspective view of an optical path changing
system comprising an annular tray and installed with a driving
motor according to an embodiment of the present subject matter.
FIG. 2 illustrates a perspective view of an optical path changing
system comprising multiple annular trays and installed with driving
motors according to an embodiment of the present subject
matter.
FIG. 3 illustrates a perspective view of an optical path changing
system comprising a rectangular tray installed with a single array
of lenses according to an embodiment of the present subject
matter.
FIG. 4 illustrates a perspective view of an optical path changing
system comprising a rectangular tray installed with multiple arrays
of lenses according to an embodiment of the present subject
matter.
FIG. 5 illustrates a perspective view of an optical path changing
system comprising multiple rectangular trays, each installed with
multiple arrays of lenses according to an embodiment of the present
subject matter.
FIG. 6 illustrates a cutaway side view of a stack of lenses that
are placed in optical window opening of an optical element tray
according to an embodiment of the present subject matter.
FIG. 7a illustrates a combination of an optical element tray, a
reflector, and an imaging element according to an embodiment of the
present subject matter.
FIG. 7b illustrates a combination of various optical element trays
and an imaging element according to an embodiment of the present
subject matter.
FIG. 7c illustrates a combination of a sector-shaped optical
element tray, a reflector, a rectangular tray on different plane
from the sector-shaped optical element tray, and an imaging element
according to an embodiment of the present subject matter.
FIG. 7d illustrates a combination of a rectangular optical element
tray, a reflector, a barrel shaped optical element tray, and an
imaging element according to an embodiment of the present subject
matter.
FIG. 7e illustrates a combination of two rectangular optical
element trays, a reflector, and an imaging element according to an
embodiment of the present subject matter.
FIG. 7f illustrates a combination of a rectangular optical element
tray, a reflector, an imaging element and a flexible band optical
element tray according to an embodiment of the present subject
matter.
FIG. 7g illustrates a combination of a series of optical window
openings arranged on the inside surface of a flexible band as an
optical element tray, a reflector and an imaging element according
to an embodiment of the present subject matter.
FIG. 8 is a diagram of two lenses in separate optical element trays
being aligned to produce a desired focal distance according to an
embodiment of the present subject matter.
FIG. 9 is a diagram of a circular optical element tray installed
with a magnetic motor and a locking mechanism according to an
embodiment of the present subject matter.
FIG. 10 is a cutaway side view of a magnetic motor capable of
moving two circular optical element trays simultaneously according
to an embodiment of the present subject matter.
FIG. 11 illustrates an iris aperture arranged between two circular
optical element trays according to an embodiment of the present
subject matter.
FIG. 12 is block diagram illustrating a mobile imaging device
integrated with an optical path changing system according to an
embodiment of the present subject matter.
FIG. 13 is a flowchart illustrating that an optical path changing
system integrated with camera software interprets a user's input
instruction and moves a corresponding lens according to an
embodiment of the present subject matter.
FIG. 14 illustrates a reflector centrally located in an optical
element tray for combining lenses to produce long focal lengths
according to an embodiment of the present subject matter.
FIG. 15 illustrates lens combination with long focal lengths being
placed in an optical element tray according to an embodiment of the
present subject matter.
FIG. 16 illustrates an optical element tray with an elongated
camera window opening for meeting the requirement of different long
focal length lens combinations needing different light entry
openings according to an embodiment of the present subject
matter.
FIG. 17 illustrates an optical element tray with multiple imaging
elements for meeting the requirement of different focal lengths
sharing the same light entry opening according to an embodiment of
the present subject matter.
FIG. 18 illustrates an optical element tray with multiple movable
optical channels, a reflector and an imaging element placed outside
the moving optical element tray according to an embodiment of the
present subject matter.
FIG. 19 illustrates an optical element tray with an extended
optical channel passing through the geometric center of the optical
element tray according to an embodiment of the present subject
matter.
FIG. 20 illustrates an optical element tray with multiple pairs of
optical channels arranged around the geometric center of the
optical element tray according to an embodiment of the present
subject matter.
FIG. 21 illustrates an optical element tray with multiple pairs of
optical channels arranged around the geometric center of the
optical element tray in which one optical channel is arranged in
geometric center of the optical element tray according to an
embodiment of the present subject matter.
FIG. 22 illustrates an optical element tray with multiple pairs of
optical channels arranged around the geometric center of the
optical element tray according to an embodiment of the present
subject matter.
FIG. 23 illustrates an optical element tray with multiple optical
channels which do not passing through the geometric center of the
optical element tray according to an embodiment of the present
subject matter.
FIG. 24 illustrates an optical element tray with multiple optical
channels which do not passing through the geometric center of the
optical element tray wherein the optical channels approximately
form a triangle according to an embodiment of the present subject
matter.
FIG. 25 illustrates an optical element tray with multiple optical
channels which do not passing through the geometric center of the
optical element tray wherein the optical channels approximately
form a quadrangle according to an embodiment of the present subject
matter.
FIG. 26 illustrates a specific implementation of an optical element
tray with multiple optical channels which do not passing through
the geometric center of the optical element tray according to an
embodiment of the present subject matter.
FIG. 27 illustrates an optical element tray with a fixed incoming
reflector positioned adjacent an outer perimeter of the optical
element tray, and an optical channel passing through the geometric
center of the optical element tray according to an embodiment of
the present subject matter.
FIG. 28 illustrates an optical element tray with a fixed incoming
reflector positioned adjacent an outer perimeter of the optical
element tray, and two optical channels embedded in the optical
element tray according to an embodiment of the present subject
matter.
FIG. 29 illustrates an optical element tray with a fixed incoming
reflector positioned adjacent an outer perimeter of the optical
element tray, and three optical channels embedded in the optical
element tray according to an embodiment of the present subject
matter.
FIG. 30 illustrates an optical element tray with two optical
channels embedded in the optical element tray according to an
embodiment of the present subject matter.
FIG. 31 illustrates an optical element tray using imaging elements
with two optical channels embedded in the optical element tray
according to an embodiment of the present subject matter.
FIG. 32 illustrates an optical element tray with a fixed incoming
reflector positioned adjacent an outer perimeter of the optical
element tray, and multiple pairs of optical channels arranged
around the geometric center of the optical element tray according
to an embodiment of the present subject matter.
FIG. 33 illustrates an optical element tray with a fixed incoming
reflector positioned adjacent an outer perimeter of the optical
element tray, and two optical channels embedded in the optical
element tray according to an embodiment of the present subject
matter.
FIG. 34 illustrates an optical element tray with multiple optical
channels which do not passing through the geometric center of the
optical element tray according to an embodiment of the present
subject matter.
FIG. 35 illustrates an optical element tray with a fixed incoming
reflector positioned adjacent an outer perimeter of the optical
element tray, and multiple pairs of optical channels arranged
around the geometric center of the optical element tray according
to an embodiment of the present subject matter.
FIG. 36 illustrates an optical element tray that accommodates
various optical element combinations and variable focal lengths for
multiple imaging elements according to an embodiment of the present
subject matter.
FIG. 37 illustrates an optical element tray including a mechanism
that provides for image stabilization according to an embodiment of
the present subject matter.
DETAILED DESCRIPTION
The following detailed description of the present subject matter
refers to subject matter in the accompanying drawings which show,
by way of illustration, specific aspects and embodiments in which
the present subject matter may be practiced. These embodiments are
described in sufficient detail to enable those skilled in the art
to practice the present subject matter. References to "an", "one",
or "various" embodiments in this disclosure are not necessarily to
the same embodiment, and such references contemplate more than one
embodiment. The following detailed description is demonstrative and
not to be taken in a limiting sense. The scope of the present
subject matter is defined by the appended claims, along with the
full scope of legal equivalents to which such claims are
entitled.
An optical path changing system in the present subject matter
comprises at least one optical element tray (also referred to as
lens tray), and optionally can further comprise at least one motor.
The motor(s) can be used in cooperation with at least one motor
controller. The optical path changing system can further comprise
imaging element(s) or operate in cooperation with imaging
element(s). Herein, the optical path changing system refers to a
system which can make light pass through different optical paths.
For example, the system can make light go through lenses with
different focal lengths (the system is also referred to as a lens
changing system at this point), or can make light go through
optical paths with different apertures, or can make light go
through optical elements with different filtering effects. It is
noted that the "different optical paths" herein not only refers to
different geometric paths the light passes. In addition, even if
the geometric paths the light passes are the same, if the light
experiences different optical elements or apertures, it can also be
said that the light passes different optical paths. The optical
path changing system (for example, the lens changing system) can be
designed to be incorporated into a mobile device, a camera, a
camcorder, or another imaging device. The optical element tray has
formed within it, a plurality of optical window openings (or holes)
or optical channels. An optical window opening may hold a lens, a
lens stack, a lens cover, or an optical filter, or an optical
window opening may be empty. Empty optical window openings or
optical window openings not holding an optical element can be
useful for a variety of reasons, which will be described in detail
in the following. According to one embodiment, an empty optical
window opening allows one piece of lens to be used in the system
without being combined with other lenses. Empty optical window
openings may also allow for attachment of lens module to the
outside of the imaging device. Other than empty optical window
openings, optical window openings can hold lenses or lens stacks of
different focal lengths, or hold different optical filters. This
allows for the flexibility of having a variety of different focal
length lenses to be included in a compact device without bringing
in the complexity, size and weight of a zoom lens. Since the size,
thickness and diameter of different prime lenses varies, the
diameters of optical window openings also vary. It is noted that
the term "optical element tray" (or "lens tray") does not mean that
there must be an optical element (or lens) installed in it, but, as
described in the above, it may or may not hold an optical element.
In addition, its shape is not necessary as a "tray", but can any
suitable shape, as described in following different
embodiments.
Lenses or lens stacks may comprise H-cut lenses, D-cut lenses,
rectangular lenses, or lenses of any other shape. Lenses of
different shapes, such as H-cut lenses, can allow optical element
tray space to be used more efficiently and effectively. Lens stacks
may optionally include filters or other light refracting elements
that change color or geometric effects of the light. One of
ordinary skill in the art would recognize that any lens, filter, or
other optical element may be used without departing from the spirit
and scope of the present invention.
The present subject matter can be useful for creating a compact
multi-focal length imaging system that can also be waterproof
because all the moving parts can be completely enclosed inside a
waterproof case. No moving parts would be directly exposed to
water, which greatly simplifying the construction and improving the
reliability of a multi-focal length imaging system that can be used
under water.
The optical path changing system may contain two or more optical
element trays. Each tray moves individually. Therefore, optical
elements from different trays can be combined to achieve a greater
variety of photographic or optical effects. For example, if Lens A
of Tray 1 is combined with Lens B of Tray 2, the result may be a
more powerful convergence or divergence of light. In another
embodiment, a lens or lens group of Tray 1 may be combined with a
filter on Tray 2, and for example with an infrared filter for night
vision purposes. Accordingly, a variety of combinations of optical
elements can produce many photographic effects.
In one embodiment, the optical path changing system can be combined
with a software user interface which can automatically choose an
optical element combination for a given situation or according to
an instruction input by a user. This feature will b described in
greater detail with FIG. 12.
Having described the basic structure and function of the optical
path changing system incorporating the present disclosure, various
embodiments of the present disclosure will be described in greater
detail with reference to the drawings in the following.
FIG. 1 illustrates an optical element tray with multiple optical
window openings, which is installed with a motor and an imaging
unit. According to one embodiment of the disclosure, the optical
path changing system 100 includes an optical element tray 101 and
an imaging unit 107. In this particular embodiment of the
disclosure, the optical element tray 101 is annular or circular
such that there can be a hole in the center of the optical element
tray and there are multiple optical window openings 102 around the
peripheral circumference of the optical element tray. Each optical
window opening holds a lens 103, a stack of lenses, a filter or
other optical elements. A motor 106a mounted to the annular ring
optical element tray 101 can rotate the ring ray about its central
axis in order to position some optical window opening in line with
the imaging unit 107. An interface board 105 receives power and
signals from the imaging device incorporating the optical path
changing system 100. The interface board 105 may be fixed to the
imaging unit 107, the motor 106a, or the module casing of the
optical element tray 101. One of ordinary skill in the art would
recognize that the interface board 105 may be placed anywhere
without departing from the spirit and scope of the present
disclosure.
The optical element tray 101 is thick enough to hold either a stack
of lenses (as shown in FIG. 6 below) or a single lens 103 in each
optical window opening 102 at various depths. For example, some
lens 103 may be placed near the entrance side of the optical
element tray 101, where the lens cover assembly 104 is positioned.
Another lens may be placed near the light exit side of the optical
element tray 101 where the imaging unit 107 is positioned. The
relative depths of the lens 103 or lens stacks embedded within the
optical window openings of the optical element tray 101 are
determined by the geometry of the lens and the configuration of the
imaging unit 107. Lenses of different focal lengths may need to be
placed at different positions which are closer to or farther from
the imaging unit 107 in order to work correctly. One of ordinary
skill in the art would recognize that the properties of the lens
103 or the lens stack would determine the position where it is
embodied within the optical element tray 101.
The motor 106a may be arranged at a position such that the drive
shaft is perpendicular to the plane of the annular ring optical
element tray 101. A pinion gear on the drive shaft of the motor
106a engages with gear teeth on the inner edge of the annular ring
optical element tray 101. In another embodiment, the motor 106a is
arranged with the drive shaft parallel to the plane of the annular
ring optical element tray 101. In this case, a worm gear on the
drive shaft of the motor 106a engages with teeth on the outer edge
of the annular ring optical element tray 101. The optical element
tray may also have gear teeth arranged on the front or rear surface
of the annular ring optical element tray 101, and the motor 106a
may use a bevel, spiral bevel or hypoid gear arrangement to drive
the optical element tray 101. One of ordinary skill in the art
would recognize that any way the motor 106a used to drive the
optical element tray 101 would not depart from the spirit and scope
of the present disclosure.
The optical path changing system 100 may optionally include imaging
components, such as an imaging element, a focusing component, an
image stabilizer, some additional lenses, a filter, an iris
aperture etc. These imaging components may be housed in the imaging
unit or housed separately. The imaging element may be any kind of
device used for capturing photographic images, including a
photo-sensitive film, a CCD image sensor, or a CMOS image sensor.
One of ordinary skill in the art would recognize that any kind of
imaging element could be used without departing from the spirit and
scope of the present disclosure.
A focusing component may be any component that allows the image to
be focused on the imaging element. The focusing methods usually
comprise moving the imaging element toward or away from the lens,
moving the lens toward or away from the imaging element, or moving
an imaging assemble within the path of light between the lens and
the imaging element. Alternatively, a liquid lens, which changes
focal length based on the strength of an electric field, may be
used to focus, or mirrors may also be used to focus. In the present
disclosure, focusing may be accomplished by moving the imaging
element, moving a focusing lens, moving an individual lens or a
single stack of lenses, or moving the entire optical element tray.
One of ordinary skill in the art would recognize that any kind of
focusing method could be used without departing from the spirit and
scope of the present invention.
One method of moving a lens or a stack of lenses is to use a voice
coil motor. This is done by mounting the lens or the lens stack
into the optical window opening by using springs. A first magnet
group is attached to the lens assembly, and another magnet group is
placed outside the light pathway, between the lens assembly and the
imaging element or at the other side of the lens assembly. One of
the magnet groups is an electromagnet, and the other can be a
permanent magnet. Energizing the electromagnet and adjusting the
current can cause the lens assembly to be pulled toward or pushed
away from the imaging element.
The optical path changing system 100 may also cooperatively operate
with a separate imaging system not integrated into the optical path
changing system 100. The lens cover assembly 104 may include one or
more additional lenses, one or more filters, or a glass or plastic
cap to protect the lenses from dust and moisture. The lens cover
assembly may be incorporated into the body of the mobile phone,
camera, or other imaging device that incorporates the optical path
changing system 100. It is not necessary that the optical element
tray 101 be annular. One of ordinary skill in the art would
recognize that the optical element tray may be annular, circular,
rectangular, arced, or any shape that is allowed by the imaging
device in which the optical path changing system 100 is
incorporated, without departing from the spirit and scope of the
present disclosure.
FIG. 1 and the other figures illustrate only one piece of lens 103
in an optical window opening 102 in the optical element tray. It
should be understood that simplification of the drawings should not
be interpreted as limiting. Other forms of lenses such as a stack
of lenses can be in the optical window opening 102. Any number of
optical window openings 102 may be included in the optical element
tray, and each may be referred to as element 102. One of ordinary
skill in the art would recognize that the lens 103 may generically
refer to any lens in the optical element tray 101, including the
lens 103 that is lined up with the imaging unit 107 and hidden from
view in the drawing.
FIG. 2 illustrates an automatic lens changing system with two
optical element trays which can move independently of each other. A
first motor 106a controls the movement of the first optical element
tray 101a, and a second motor 106b controls the movement of the
second optical element tray 101b. The control circuitry for both
motors can share the same interface board 105. Independent movement
of the two optical element trays 101 allows the lenses from the
optical element trays 101a, 101b to be combined to produce a
variety of different focal lengths to meet the requirement of
different usage situations. Alternatively, the second optical
element tray 101b can carry a number of optical filters, while the
first optical element tray 101a carries a series of lenses of
different focal lengths. When the second optical element tray 101b
carries optical filters, at least one of the optical window
openings 102 in the second optical element tray 101b can be left
empty to provide the user with a "no-filter" option when taking
photos. This would allow the user to pick various filters to use
with various lenses, presenting a variety of choices to the
user.
FIG. 2 illustrates only one piece of lens 103, but this should not
be interpreted as limiting. The optical element tray 101 may have
any number of optical window openings, and any optical window
opening may hold a lens 103 or remain empty. Even if all optical
window openings are empty, the empty optical window openings may
still serve the purpose of providing varying aperture sizes to
change the amount of light entering the imaging unit 107. Although
an iris aperture is a preferred method of changing aperture sizes,
using an optical element tray with various optical window opening
sizes may also be a preferred option under certain circumstances.
Therefore, even an optical element tray with no lenses remains
within the basic spirit and scope of the present disclosure. In
addition, although the first optical element tray 101a and the
second optical element tray 101b appear to have the same number of
optical window openings 102, this needs not be the case in
practice. The second optical element tray 101b may have more or
fewer optical window openings 102 than the first optical element
tray 101a, and the total number of possible lens combinations is as
many as the number of optical window openings 102 in the first
optical element tray 101a multiplied by the number of optical
window openings 102 in the second optical element tray 101b.
The concepts discussed with reference to FIG. 2 previously may be
further expanded to implement three or more layers of optical
element trays.
FIG. 3 illustrates the optical path changing system 200 with all
optical window openings 202 in the optical element tray 201
arranged in a one-dimensional array. This design may hold fewer
lenses than the annular design; otherwise, the optical element tray
becomes very long. However, space may be easier to be preserved for
such a design within something like a mobile phone. Comparatively,
designing a space with curves would be more difficult. The
embodiment in FIG. 3 makes the device simple at the cost of
reducing the number of lenses.
Motors are not shown in FIG. 3, but a variety of motors and gear
mechanisms can be used to move the optical element tray 201 into
the desired position. The motor 206 can move the optical element
tray as desired by various installation positions such as
perpendicular, parallel or transverse in combination with various
gears such as worm gears, bevel gears, spiral, hypoid, or rack and
pinion gear. A linear motor can also be used for quieter and
quicker movement. Alternatively, a piezo motor can also be used to
move the optical element tray. One of ordinary skill in the art
would recognize that any motor and gear arrangement can be used
without departing from the spirit and scope of the present
invention.
FIG. 4 illustrates an optical path changing system 200 with all
optical window openings in the optical element tray 201 arranged
into an array two-dimensionally. As seen in FIG. 4, the lenses are
arranged into three columns: one column on the left, one column on
the right containing the optical window opening labeled 202, and
one column in the center containing just one lens 203.
Alternatively, the arrangement of the lenses can be described as a
first row at the top with just one lens 203, a second row with two
optical window openings just below the first row, and so on to the
bottom row of window openings. No matter the arrangement of optical
window openings, their arrangement can be described as the optical
widows being arranged into an array in which each column (row) has
one or more optical window openings.
In the case of FIG. 4, two motors can be used to move the optical
element tray. An X-axis motor moves the optical element tray along
the X-axis and a Y-axis motor moves the optical element tray along
the Y-axis. Combining the motion of the X-axis and Y-axis allows
the optical element tray to be positioned at any of the lenses on
the optical element tray. The optical window openings 202 may be of
varying sizes. Some optical window openings may be large enough to
overlap into other rows or columns, as illustrated by the lens 203
in the figure. This allows for varying sized optical window
openings 202 to be strategically placed within the optical element
tray 201 in order to minimize the volume of the optical element
tray 201. The X-axis motor and Y-axis motor are capable of moving
the optical element tray 201 to any position to select the suitable
lens.
The system of motor and gear to move the optical element tray 201
in two dimensions may be more complicated than the motor movement
system for moving an optical element tray in one dimension.
However, various solution for moving a platform in two dimensions
are available in the prior art and one of ordinary skill in the art
would recognize that any of such systems could be used without
departing from the spirit and scope of the present disclosure.
FIG. 5 illustrates an optical path changing system 200 with
multiple rectangular optical element trays 201. In this particular
embodiment, a more complex motor system would be required in order
to move each optical element independently. However, if the optical
element trays are designed to be moved in unison, all optical
element trays can be moved by one motor and gear system for moving
a single tray.
FIG. 6 illustrates a side cutaway view of a lens stack held in an
optical window opening 102, 202. According to some embodiments of
the disclosure, the optical window openings 102, 202 may hold
nothing, or may hold an optical filter, a single lens, a stack of
lenses. A stack of lenses can be used for general purpose, or to
some extent, a wide angle lens held by some optical window openings
can have macro photography function to take macro photography. The
use of lens stack can also correct various aberrations or
distortions, for example, chromatic aberration due to differences
in the refraction rate of different colors of light on the same
material. The lens stack can also be used to achieve greater
magnification required for macro photography, or to take extreme
close-up photography. When the optical window opening 202 holds no
lens, it does not refract the light. This kind of optical window
openings can have many functions. First, some lenses or lens stacks
require no cooperation of other lenses in order to produce the
desired effect. This will be explained in more detail with
reference to FIG. 8 below. Second, the optical path changing system
may be configured to allow attachment of external optical
components, including, but not limited to, microscopes, telescopes,
external lenses, filters, or other optical components. In this
situation, lenses on the optical element trays may interfere with
the desired effect of the external optical components, so an empty
optical window opening would be selected to prevent unwanted
refraction.
FIGS. 7a-7g illustrate various optical element tray shapes and
arrangements that can produce various effects. Each tray system may
include a reflector 708 such as a full reflection prism, a mirror,
or any other reflection system which can change the direction of
the light, allowing for increasing optical path distance between
the lens and the imaging unit 707 while still maintaining a compact
form factor for the device. The features of each arrangement will
be explained in further detail below.
FIG. 7a illustrates a basic arrangement in which an optical element
tray is combined with a reflector 708 which changes the direction
of the light passing through the optical element tray. FIG. 7 can
be used to prove that an optical element tray installed with a
reflector can have more functions and flexibility. The imaging unit
707 is arranged on the exit end of the reflector, allowing
flexibility to increase the distance the light travels between the
lens and the imaging unit 707 without increasing the thickness of
the camera system. In one embodiment, the optical path changing
system of FIG. 7a is arranged in a mobile phone such that the
circular optical element tray lies flat behind the screen of the
mobile phone. The lens cover assembly 104 can be incorporated onto
the casing of the mobile phone such that the camera opening window
opening is visible on the back of the camera. The reflector 708
reflects the light into the length and width direction of the
mobile phone. Without the reflector 708, the imaging unit 707 would
have to be installed in the same direction of the lens cover
assembly 104, as depicted in FIGS. 1-5, and the thickness of the
mobile phone would limit the focal length of the optical path
changing system. The reflector provides more flexibility in the
distance between the lens and the imaging unit 707, and thus more
flexibility in the maximum focal lengths of the optical path
changing system.
FIG. 7b illustrates an optical element tray arrangement with three
layers of optical element trays, showing that more than two optical
element trays may be used and the optical element trays need not be
of the same shape, size or type in the optical path changing
system. The first optical element tray 101a is thicker than the
second optical element tray 101b. The optical window openings 102
of the first optical element tray 101a may hold a stack of lenses
as depicted in FIG. 6, or may hold individual lenses 103 at various
depths within the optical window openings 102. The second optical
element tray 101b is thinner than the first optical element tray
101a and may be used to install either individual lenses or optical
filters. The individual lenses may be designed to work in
combination with lenses 103 or lens stacks in the first optical
element tray. The third optical element tray 201 is a rectangular
optical element tray 201. The lenses 103, 203 of all the trays
would combine to produce a suitable focal length and/or optical
effect, and each of the optical element trays may have one or more
empty optical window openings 103, 203. These empty optical window
openings may be combined with lenses to produce a suitable optical
effect or a suitable focal length which requires fewer than three
optical elements. The imaging unit 707 is arranged perpendicular to
the optical element trays to show that the optical path changing
systems need not necessarily use a reflector 708 in FIG. 7a.
FIG. 7c illustrates how a reflector 708 may be used to combine two
optical element trays of different shapes on two different planes
relative to each other. The first optical element tray 101 is in
the shape of a sector, or a wedge cut out of a circle. Light enters
through the lens cover assembly 104, passes through an optical
window opening 102 in the first optical element tray, and then
enters a reflector 708, which changes the direction of the light to
be parallel to the plane of the first optical element tray 101. The
second optical element tray 201 is then arranged after the
reflector 708 and orthogonal to the first optical element tray 101.
Light passes through an optical window opening 202 of the second
optical element tray before reaching the imaging unit 707.
FIG. 7d illustrates a combination of a rectangular optical element
tray 201, a reflector 708, and a barrel optical element tray 709
that encircles the imaging unit 707. The barrel optical element
tray 709 is different from previously described optical element
trays 101, 201 because it is not planar. The barrel optical element
tray 709 is a cylindrical ring shape with an outer wall and inner
wall. Although FIG. 7d depicts a fully circular ring, the barrel
optical element tray 709 may be an arc or sector that is less than
the whole cylindrical ring shape. In other words, the ends of the
barrel optical element tray need not necessarily meet each other to
form a complete circle. This type of optical element tray is
similar to the rectangular optical element tray 201 of FIG. 3,
except that the planar surface is curved to form an arc along the
length of the rectangle. When the rectangle is long enough, the
ends of the rectangle can meet each other after the rectangle is
curved to form a barrel optical element tray as depicted in FIG.
7d.
On the barrel optical element tray 709, instead of having optical
window openings arranged along a plane, they are arranged along the
cylindrical wall, and instead of rotating or sliding the optical
element tray, the barrel optical element tray 709 is spun on its
central axis. The reflector 708 changes the direction of the light
that comes out from the rectangular optical element tray 201 and
then the light enters the barrel optical element tray 709. This
allows the barrel optical element tray 709 to be oriented so that
the overall thickness of the optical element tray combination can
be minimized.
FIG. 7e illustrates a combination of a reflector 708 and two
rectangular optical element trays 201a, 201b, but in this instance,
the two optical element trays lie on parallel planes and light is
reflected by the reflector 708 before reaching the optical element
trays 201a, 201b. The light entrance of the reflector 708 is
covered by an optical cover glass 711 which allows light to pass
through, but keeps out moisture and dust. In this example, the
imaging unit 707 would lie along the length or width of the mobile
phone or camera that incorporates the optical path changing
system.
FIG. 7f is similar to FIG. 7d, but the barrel optical element tray
709 is a flexible band barrel optical element tray 712 made of
rubber, silicone, fiber, a chain loop of hinged rigid segments, or
the like. The optical window openings 702 hold the optical elements
such as lenses or filters. As the optical element tray 712 is
rotated to select a suitable lens, the flexible band 712 bends
around the rounded corners 713, reducing the amount of space
required to hold the optical path changing system. The rounded
corners 713 are designed to have a large enough radius of curvature
so that rigid lenses can traverse the rounded corners 713 without
jamming or binding the flexible band barrel optical element tray
712.
The barrel optical element trays of FIG. 7d and FIG. 7f, whether
made of flexible material or rigid material, may alternatively have
material cut out of the barrel between the optical window openings,
forming triangular, rectangular or rounded teeth on one or both
sides of the barrel. This makes the optical element tray lighter,
and/or more flexible. One of ordinary skill in the art would
recognize that adding or removing excess material from any optical
element tray described herein may be done without departing from
the spirit and scope of the present invention.
FIG. 7g depicts a different type of flexible optical element tray,
where the flexible band 714 is installed with several optical
window opening fixers 715. In an embodiment, as illustrated in FIG.
7g, an optical window opening fixer 715 is made of a tab of
material separated from the rest of the optical element tray, but
connected to the optical element tray on a side. An optical element
tray can be flexible or rigid, can be planar or some other shape,
and may contain multiple optical window opening fixers 715. The
optical window opening fixers 715 may be installed in the optical
element tray, or may be made of the same material as the optical
element tray and separated from each other by gaps. Alternatively,
the optical window opening fixer may be a section of the optical
element tray that contains two or more optical window openings of
the optical element tray. An optical window opening fixer may be
blank, or contain no optical window opening. The material forming
the optical window opening fixers 715 may be flexible or rigid.
As shown in FIG. 7g, each optical window opening fixer 715 is
formed from a tab of material extending from the inner surface of
the flexible band. The flexible band can be made of rubber,
silicone, fiber, or a chain loop of rigid segments connected by
hinges. Each optical window opening fixer can remain empty, or hold
an optical element such as a lens, a stack of lenses or a filter.
Alternatively, the function of an empty window opening can be
achieved simply by having a sufficiently large gap on the flexible
band 714 where there is no optical window opening fixer 715. The
flexible band 714 allows a large number of optical elements to be
placed within available space constraints. One of ordinary skill in
the art would recognize that optical window opening fixer 715 may
also be formed from a tab of material extending from the inner
surface, outer surface, or both the inner and outer surface of the
flexible band without departing from the spirit and scope of the
present invention.
FIGS. 7a-7g depict various combinations of optical element trays
101, reflectors 708, and imaging units 707 in a variety of
arrangements suitable for achieving suitable focal lengths and
optical effects while fitting the optical path changing system
within the space constraints typical of modern mobile devices. One
of ordinary skill in the art would recognize that the various
elements of FIGS. 7a-7p can be mixed and matched to produce more
additional combinations without departing from the spirit and scope
of the present invention.
FIG. 8 illustrates how lenses in two different optical element
trays can be combined to produce a variety of effects. The lens
combination at the top is labeled a macro lens combination. The
combination of lens D 801 in tray 1 and lens E 802 in tray 2
produces a short focal length A, which has a high magnifying effect
on objects close to the camera lens.
The middle lens combination of FIG. 8 is labeled as telephoto lens.
The combination of lens F 803 in tray 1 and lens E 802 in tray 2
produces a relatively long focal length B which effectively
enlarges objects that are far away from the lens. Note that the
lens E 802 used in tray 2 for the telephoto lens combination may be
the same lens E 802 used in tray 2 for the macro combination.
However, FIG. 8 is used for illustration purposes only, and is not
intended to be limiting. One of ordinary skill in the art would
understand that one lens, either in tray 1 or tray 2, may be used
in a variety of lens combinations to achieve a variety of different
focal lengths for a variety of photographic purposes.
The bottom lens combination of FIG. 8 is labeled as wide angle
lens. The wide angle lens combination uses the same lens D in tray
1 as the macro combination, but the lens in tray 2 is switched to
lens G 804. This lens combination produces a relatively short focal
length C that has a wide angle effect on objects that are far from
the lens. One of ordinary skill in the art would recognize that any
combination of lenses, lens stack, filters, optical components, or
even empty optical window openings could be used to achieve
suitable focal length or other optical effect.
FIG. 9 illustrates a schematic diagram illustrating an embodiment
of a motor for rotating a circular optical element tray and a
mechanism for locking an optical element tray in place. In one
embodiment, a motor and gears need to be used to rotate, or slide
the optical element tray into a suitable position. Alternatively, a
motor as shown in FIG. 9 may be used to move the optical element
tray without the need for a system of gears. The optical element
tray makes up the rotor 901 of the motor similar to a brushless
electric motor. The central portion of the optical element tray
rotor 901 has permanent magnets 908 attached to it and a stator 902
has electromagnets 909 attached. For each lens, there is a
corresponding electromagnet 909 and locking notch 904. The locking
notch 904 corresponding to each lens 903 is positioned around the
outside edge of the optical element tray rotor 901.
A magnetic locking pin 906 is loaded by a spring 905 and interfaces
with the locking notches 904 to hold the optical element tray rotor
at the position corresponding to a selected lens. The magnetic
locking pin 906 is controlled by a locking electromagnet 907. When
the locking electromagnet 907 is turned on, it pulls the magnetic
locking pin 906 toward it, compressing the spring 905, disengaging
the pin from the locking notch 904 and allowing the optical element
tray rotor 901 to rotate freely. When the electromagnets 907, 909
are turned off, they apply no force on the permanent magnets 908
and the magnetic locking pin 906, and the spring 905 pushes back
and inserts the locking pin 906 into the locking notch 904 to hold
the rotor 901 securely in position.
The selected lens 903 can be selected by the following steps. In
step 1, the locking electromagnet 907 is turned on. Turning on the
locking electromagnet 907 causes the magnetic locking pin 906 to
move toward the locking electromagnet 907, compressing the spring
905, and disengaging the magnetic locking pin 906 from the locking
notch 904. In step 2, turning on and off the electromagnets 909 in
the correct sequence causes the optical element tray rotor 901 to
rotate clockwise or counterclockwise. In step 3, a hall-effect
sensor, a light sensor, or another sensing device (not shown),
detects whether the chosen lens 903 has approached the correct
position. When the rotor reaches the suitable position, the
electromagnets 909 corresponding to the selected lens remain
powered on in the correct polarity to stop the rotor in the
suitable position. In step 4, the electromagnets 907, 909 are
turned off and the spring 905 pushes the magnetic locking pin 906
to engage with the locking notch 904 corresponding to the selected
lens 903. The locking pin 906 then holds the optical element tray
rotor in place without requiring the electromagnets to be powered
on.
Although the above rotation and locking mechanism is applied to a
circular optical element tray with a magnetic locking pin, many
variations can be made. The permanent magnets 908 may be replaced
with electromagnets. The relative positions of the stator and rotor
may be swapped. The positions or orientations of the permanent
magnets 908 and the electromagnets 909 can be changed, for example,
placed on the outer edge of the tray, or being orthogonal, rather
than parallel to the plane of the tray. A different locking pin
design may be used. The locking pin may be placed on the rotating
optical element tray. The position of rotor brushes can be changed.
The system may also be adapted for linear movement rather than
rotation. One of ordinary skill in the art would recognize that
many changes to the system could be made without departing from the
spirit and scope of the present invention.
FIG. 10 illustrates a side cutaway view of an electromagnetic motor
designed for an optical path changing system with two optical
element trays. The first tray 1001 is shown with two first rotor
electromagnets 1003 attached to it. Although two first rotor
electromagnets 1003 are shown, it is for illustration purposes
only, and more electromagnets may be used without departing from
the spirit and scope of the present invention. The first rotor
electromagnets 1003 are powered through first rotor brushes 1005
which can maintain electrical contact. Two second rotor
electromagnets 1004 are attached to an extension of the second tray
1002 whose axis passes through the center of the first tray 1001.
The second rotor electromagnets 1004 are powered by second rotor
brushes 1006 which can maintain contact. The stator electromagnets
1007 are positioned such that they will interact with both the
first rotor electromagnets 1003 and the second rotor electromagnets
1004. As in the system described in FIG. 9, the electromagnets are
turned on and off in the proper sequence to produce the desired
movement.
The rotor electromagnets may be replaced with permanent magnets,
but in this particular situation, it is desirable that the rotor
magnets be electromagnets. Unless sufficient magnetic shielding is
used or the rotor magnets are placed so that they don't interfere
with each other, electromagnets are a preferable option here
because they can be turned on and off selectively, thus making the
task of moving one tray at a time simpler.
The above described electromagnetic motor may be adapted or
expanded to move three or more layers of optical element trays such
that each magnet on the stator interfaces with all of the rotors. A
single tray to be rotated can be rotated by energizing the
electromagnets on the tray. Alternatively a piezoelectric motor can
be used for both moving and locking the optical element tray. One
of ordinary skill in the art would recognize that any kind of motor
could be used without departing from the spirit and scope of the
present invention.
FIG. 11 is an illustration showing how an iris aperture may be
incorporated into the optical path changing system. The iris
aperture 1101 in FIG. 11 is shown placed between first optical
element tray 101a and second optical element tray 101b. One of
ordinary skill in the art would recognize that the iris aperture
1101 could be place at any functional position in FIG. 11 or
combined with any number of arrangements depicted by FIGS. 7a-7g
without departing from the spirit and scope of the present
invention.
The present disclosure also provides an imaging device, which can
comprise an imaging controller, an imaging element, a motor
controller and any optical path changing system described in the
above or in the following, wherein the imaging controller can issue
an instruction to the motor controller according to a user's input
to change imaging effect; the motor controller can drive a
corresponding motor in the optical path changing system according
to the instruction from the imaging controller to move a
corresponding optical element tray in the optical path changing
system to select a suitable optical path; and the imaging element
can receive imaging light input from the selected optical path of
the optical path changing system to form an image with desired
imaging effect. As an example, FIG. 12 schematically shows a block
diagram of the imaging device 1201 integrated with an optical path
changing system such as a mobile phone, camera, or camcorder. The
imaging device 1201 includes a programmable apparatus comprising a
processor 1202 and a memory 1203. The memory is a medium that can
be accessed by a computer for storing program instructions to be
executed by the processor 1202. The memory may also be used to
store images taken by the imaging element 1204. The above imaging
controller can be constructed by the processor 1202 here. The
imaging device 1201 (for example by an imaging controller) sends
commands to the motor controller 1205, which can move the optical
element tray 1207 to align one of the optical elements 1208 with
the imaging element 1204. An optical element 1208 may be a lens,
filter, or some other type of optical element. Light 1209 passes
through the optical element 1208 to the imaging element 1204.
The imaging device 1201, such as a mobile phone, camera, or
camcorder, may have software and/or drivers installed which enable
the user to control the optical path changing system through a
graphical user interface, or allow automatic control through system
software. The user need not be aware of which optical element is
used or when it is necessary to change the optical element. Taking
a mobile phone as an example, the camera software would receive
input from the user to apply a filter, zoom in, zoom out, switch to
macro mode, adjust the aperture size, or the like. The device
driver, which may be part of the camera software, or other software
module on the phone, would determine how to move the optical
element tray to achieve the desired results for the user.
FIG. 13 is a flowchart illustrating the software method for
interpreting user inputs, selecting the appropriate optical
elements and moving the optical element tray to the appropriate
position. At step 1302, the software receives user inputs. User
inputs are typically received through a Graphical User Interface
(GUI) where icons, buttons, menus and/or the like allow the user to
choose commands. As an example, the user may zoom using an
on-screen slider, a touch screen slicing trace, or a software or
hardware dial, wheel, or button. One of ordinary skill in the art
would recognize that any method of zooming may be used without
departing from the spirit and scope of the present invention.
In basic camera software, the user often needs to achieve a
suitable picturing scope by zooming without needing to know or care
what specific camera parameters or lens combination are used to
achieve such a result. The user can stop the zooming operation when
the viewfinder or camera display screen shows a suitable zoom
level. Whatever zoom level the user chooses, the software will
determine what lenses and what level of digital zoom should be used
in order to achieve the user-selected zoom level. The primary
feature of the software is its ability to choose the appropriate
lens combination given user inputs. Although this particular
example uses zoom to describe the software function and features,
other camera parameters, such as shutter speed, aperture size,
filters, film speed, etc. can also be determined by the software
based on the user's instructions.
At step 1304, the camera software interprets the user's
instruction. The user's instruction may include a variety of
changes to camera parameters in addition to zooming. Therefore, the
camera software determines what zoom level is required from the
user's instruction.
At step 1306, the camera software checks configuration parameters
to determine the position where the optical element tray is
required to be moved to achieve the user selected zoom level or
focal length. The software can determine optical element tray
position by referring to configuration parameters. The
configuration parameters list each available zoom level or focal
length with the optical element tray positions required to achieve
that zoom level or focal length. The available zoom levels or focal
lengths may be stored in a file, array, table, or simply coded into
the software. Because the available zoom levels are discrete, when
the user chooses a zoom level that is not exactly the same as one
of the available discrete zoom levels, the software needs to find
the closest available discrete zoom level that is no higher than
the user selected zoom level. Then digital zoom is combined to
achieve the user's desired zoom level. The optical element tray
positions are stored in the configuration parameters, and it is
possible to know which lenses to be selected to achieve the user's
desired zoom level and focal length based on the current readings
of a position sensor. The tray position may be sensed using
hall-effect sensors, light sensors, barcode readers, motor position
sensors or the like, or be determined from the relative position
from a currently known lens. One of ordinary skill in the art would
recognize that there are a variety of ways to sense or determine
the position of the optical element trays without departing from
the spirit and scope of the present invention.
Once the optical element tray positions are determined from the
configuration parameters, the camera software sends a signal to
move the optical element tray to the correct position. The camera
software can monitor the optical element tray position with
sensors, and continues sending movement commands until the desired
optical element tray position is reached. Alternatively, the camera
can know the position of the optical element trays and send a
well-set movement command to move the optical element tray to the
suitable position.
The camera software may also automatically control an iris aperture
incorporated into the optical path changing system. If the user
wants to capture fast movement photo or take a photo in low light
conditions, the user can set the camera to high speed mode, or a
sensor can detect that the low light mode is needed to take a
photo. In either case, the software responds by sending a signal to
the iris aperture to increase the aperture size and select a
general purpose lens. If the user sends a zoom-in instruction using
the software, the software will control the motor to move the
optical element tray to the telephoto position.
The camera software can also provide a "professional" mode for more
advanced users to allow users to directly select the lenses and the
aperture size to be used. Depending on the optical element options
available in the optical element tray, the camera software may
present to the user the available optical software and combinations
as options. If an optical element tray includes filters, the camera
software may include the filters as an option. If all the optical
element trays contain lenses, the camera software can know
available lens combinations, calculate each combination's Effective
Focal Length (EFL), and present to the user the available options
or a spectrum of options without the user needing to select each
lens on each tray. When a large number of effective focal lengths
are available through combination of lenses, the software may only
allow the user to issue zoom-in and zoom-out instructions, and the
software automatically determines and selects the appropriate
combination of lenses, and then uses digital zoom smoothing to
cover the gaps between each discrete level of optical zoom.
Digital zoom merely enlarges the photo that was captured by the
imaging element without changing the resolution. This means that
digital zoom incurs an image quality penalty and, in extreme cases,
causes visible pixilation, blurriness, and distortion. In reality,
there is no "enhance" command that magically brings out minute
details of a photo that has been digitally enlarged. Therefore, if
a savvy user may be concerned about preserving the native
resolution of photographs, the software will allow the user to do
away with digital zoom smoothing, and only use the discrete options
of optical zoom through the various lens combinations in the
optical element trays.
FIGS. 14-32 illustrate embodiments of optical path changing system
comprising optical channels. In particular, the optical path
changing system comprises a first optical element tray which forms
multiple optical paths comprising a first optical path, wherein the
first optical path comprises: an optical entrance from which a
light enters the first optical element tray; an optical exit from
which the light exits the first optical element tray; and a first
optical channel arranged in the optical element tray between the
optical entrance and the optical exit. The first optical channel is
configured such that the geometric length of the first optical
channel between the optical entrance and the optical exit is larger
than the thickness of the first optical element tray, and the first
optical element tray is configured to be movable for selecting a
desired optical path. Here, the optical path represents any pathway
the light travels through in the optical element tray from any
optical entry to a corresponding optical exit, which can be the
above optical window openings in the form of through-openings, or
can be the described first optical channel comprising optical
channels whose geometric lengths are larger than the thickness of
the tray. In the embodiment, at least one of the multiple paths is
the first optical path containing an optical channel whose
geometric length is larger than the thickness of the tray, while
the other optical paths can be any form, e.g., the through-hole
form or the first optical path form described here. Optionally, the
first optical element tray is a planar plate tray, for example,
circular or rectangular. Such a planar plate tray is specially
suitable for imaging devices with small thickness such as a smart
phone. In particular, the first optical channel is substantially
parallel to the planar plate tray, and the optical window opening
is substantially perpendicular to the planner plate tray.
Optionally, the optical path changing system can further comprise:
a first motor configured to be able to move the first optical
element tray to select the desired optical path. It is possible to
move the optical element tray without manual operation by setting
the motor, allowing automation of optical path changing.
Optionally, optical element(s) is/are installed in the first
optical path to form an optical system with a first focal length.
Since the geometric length of the first optical path is larger the
thickness of the optical element tray, the optical system (for
example, an imaging lens) formed by the first optical path can
realize a relatively long focal length, realizing long focal length
photo-taking in a miniaturized imaging device such as a smart
phone.
Optionally, the first optical element tray also has an optical
window opening formed by a through opening through the first
optical element tray as a second optical path, optical element(s)
is/are installed in the optical window opening to form an optical
system with a second focal length, and the second focal length is
smaller than the first focal length. By setting both the second
optical path formed by a through-opening (whose geometric length is
substantially equal to or smaller than the thickness of the tray)
and the first optical path formed by an optical channel (whose
geometric length is larger than the thickness of the tray), it is
possible to make the optical element tray produce both optical
systems with short focal lengths and optical systems with long
focal lengths, meeting the zoom requirement of the imaging device
on different focal lengths.
FIG. 14 illustrates an embodiment of the optical element tray
including an optical element tray 1401 to accommodate lens
combinations with long focal lengths. In addition to the optical
window openings 1402 included in other embodiments, there are also
optical channels 1404 built into the optical element tray parallel
to the plane of the optical element tray. An optical channel is a
pathway for light created by wall(s) of specific material
surrounding, enclosing, separating, or otherwise defining a pathway
for light to travel through. An optical channel may hold one or
more optical elements within it to manipulate the light as it
passes through the optical channel. Alternatively, an optical
channel may also be defined by a set of optical elements defining a
pathway for light to travel through. One of ordinary skill in the
art will recognize that the optical channel need not be cuboid or
rectangular in shape it can also be cylindrical, oblong, oval, or
any geometric shape. Rectangular optical channels are shown only
for illustration purposes. One of ordinary skill in the art would
recognize that the optical channel need not run strictly parallel
to the plane of the optical element tray. The term parallel is used
for simplicity and illustration purposes only and is not intended
to be limiting. One or more lenses, filters, or other optical
elements are placed within the optical channels 1404 to produce the
desired focal length. One of ordinary skill in the art would
understand how lenses, filters, and other optical elements could be
arranged within the optical channel 1404 to achieve a desired focal
length.
In each optical element tray, there is at least one optical
entrance and at least one optical exit. The optical entrance is
where light enters the optical element tray and the optical exit is
where light exits the optical element tray. When an optical element
tray includes only optical window openings, the optical entrance
and optical exit are at the two ends of the optical window opening
respectively. When optical channels and reflectors are included,
the light does not merely pass straight through the optical element
tray from face to back, but is reflected into a light path within
the optical element tray before finally exiting toward an imaging
element. In this case, the optical exit is not necessarily located
exactly opposite the optical entrance.
In one embodiment, a central lens 1405 is placed in front of a
central reflector 1409. A central lens 1405 is used in common by
all of the optical channels 1404 and allows the limited dimensions
of the optical element tray 1401 to be used more effectively to
achieve long focal lengths. The central lens 1405 is optional and
one of ordinary skill in the art would be able to determine when
the central lens 1405 of appropriate focal length should be used to
be combined with the optical channels 1404 to achieve the desired
focal lengths.
The optical element tray in FIG. 14 is a circular tray 1401 with a
hole in the center. A central reflector 1409 is fixed in the hole
in the center of the optical element tray, and the optical element
tray can rotate around the central reflector 1409 to line up any of
the optical channels between the central reflector 1409 and the
imaging unit 1407. Each optical channel 1404 has an optical
entrance at the inside wall created by the hole in the center of
the optical element tray 1401. The central reflector 1409 reflects
incoming light into the optical entrance of one of the optical
channels 1404. An outgoing reflector 1408 is placed at the other
end of each optical channel 1404 to reflect the light into the
imaging unit 1407.
The imaging device incorporating the optical element tray 1401 of
FIG. 14 requires an entry for light, such as a camera window,
aligned with the imaging unit 1407 near the perimeter of the
optical element tray 1401 and an additional entry for light at the
center of the optical element tray. According to one embodiment of
the disclosure, the imaging device incorporating the optical
element tray 1401 of FIG. 14 would have two camera windows. One
camera window would be aligned with the optical window openings
1402 for short focal lengths, and the other camera window would be
aligned with the central reflector 1409 for long focal lengths. The
same imaging unit 1407 is used for both optical window openings
1402 and optical channels 1404 because the outgoing reflectors of
the optical channels can also be aligned with the imaging unit
1407.
FIG. 15 illustrates another embodiment of the optical element tray
including an optical element tray 1501 designed to accommodate lens
combinations with long focal lengths. The optical element tray of
FIG. 15 differs from the optical element tray of FIG. 14 in that
its optical element tray does not have a central reflector, but
instead has an incoming reflector 1510 for each optical channel
1504. According to one embodiment the present disclosure, the
imaging device incorporating the optical element tray 1501 of FIG.
15 needs two camera windows. One camera window lines up with the
outer perimeter of the optical element tray, and is used for the
optical window openings 1502. The second camera window aligns with
the incoming reflectors 1510, and is used for the optical channels
1504. When using optical channels 1504 to take long focal length
pictures, light enters the incoming reflector 1510, is reflected
into the optical channel 1504, is refracted by lenses or subject to
other optical elements, and then reaches the outgoing reflector
1508. The outgoing reflector 1508 reflects the light to the imaging
unit 1507 placed under the optical element tray. For the optical
element trays in FIG. 14 and FIG. 15, light may not enter through
the same light entry or camera window, but light always be
projected into the same imaging unit 1407 or 1507.
FIG. 16 illustrates another embodiment of the optical element tray
including an optical element tray 1601 with an elongated camera
window 1603 for accommodating multiple light entries to produce a
variety of different long focal lengths. There are three light
entries on the elongated camera window 1603. The first entry marked
1 is in the center of the optical element tray. Light enters at
point 1 and is reflected through a central reflector 1609 and then
enters an optical channel 1604. At the end of the optical channel
1604, an outgoing reflector reflects the light toward the imaging
unit 1607. Once the light passes through the outgoing reflector
1608, it is in the same location and orientation as if it had
passed through an ordinary optical window opening 1602.
The second light entry is marked 2. There are two reflector and
optical channel combinations that align with light entry 2, and
they are marked with 2 accordingly. One of these is identical to
the reflector and optical channel combination shown in FIG. 15. The
other reflector and optical channel combination comprises two
optical channels 1604 and a double reflector 1611 joining the two
optical channels 1604. When this combination is aligned with the
imaging unit 1607, light enters the camera window 1603 at point 2
and is reflected by an incoming reflector 1610 to enter the first
optical channel 1604. The double reflector causes the light to be
redirected 180 degrees into a second optical channel 1604. At the
exit of the second optical channel 1604, an intermediate reflector
1612 reflects the light toward the outer perimeter of the optical
element tray 1601. After this point, the light passes through a
final optical channel 1604 before being reflected by the outgoing
reflector 1608 toward the imaging unit 1607.
In another embodiment, the second optical channel 1604 extends to
the edge of the optical element tray where an outgoing reflector
1608 reflects light toward the imaging unit 1607. Depending on
different arrangements, the light may or may not pass through an
intermediate reflector 1612 and/or a third optical channel 1604
before reaching the outgoing reflector 1608 which reflects the
light toward the imaging unit 1607. One of ordinary skill in the
would recognize that any arrangement of one or more reflectors and
one or more optical channels can be used to achieve the desired
focal length and arrange the optical exit at the desired location
without departing from the spirit and scope of the present
invention.
The third optical entry is marked 3. Each of the ordinary optical
window openings 1602 lines up with entry 3, and light can pass
directly through the optical window openings 1602 to enter the
imaging unit 1607. In another embodiment, a separate camera window
is placed at each of positions 1, 2, and 3. One of ordinary skill
in the art would recognize that the arrangement of reflectors and
optical channels could utilize more or fewer entries at various
positions that line up with optical entrances of the optical
element tray 1601 without departing from the spirit and scope of
the present invention.
FIG. 17 illustrates another embodiment of the optical element tray
including an optical element tray 1701 that uses only a single
entry or camera window, but includes three imaging units in order
to accommodate various focal lengths with the optical element tray
1701. According the an embodiment shown in FIG. 17, there are three
imaging units marked A, B, and C. Imaging unit A aligns with the
optical window openings 1702 of the optical element tray just as in
the previously described optical element trays.
Imaging unit B aligns with two of the reflector and optical channel
arrangements where the incoming reflectors 1710 which are also
marked with B. The first arrangement is identical to the reflector
and optical channel arrangements described in FIG. 15, except that
the orientation is reversed. The light enters at the incoming
reflector 1710 through an optical window opening at the outer
perimeter of the optical element tray. The incoming reflector 1710
then reflects the light into the optical channel 1704 and the
outgoing reflector 1708 reflects the light into imaging unit B.
The second arrangement is similar to the second arrangement shown
in FIG. 16, but again, the direction is reversed. Light enters the
incoming reflector 1710, and depending on the arrangement, may pass
through a short optical channel 1704 before entering an
intermediate reflector 1712. The intermediate reflector reflects
the light into a first optical channel 1704. A double reflector
1711 redirects the light 180 degrees and into a second optical
channel 1704. Finally, an outgoing reflector 1708 reflects the
light again into the imaging unit B.
The third reflector and optical channel arrangement is similar to
the arrangement in FIG. 16, but the orientation is reversed. Light
enters the incoming reflector 1710 positioned at the outer
perimeter of the optical element tray 1701. The incoming reflector
1710 reflects the light into the optical channel 1704. Finally, the
center reflector 1709 reflects the light into the imaging unit C.
Alternatively, imaging unit C could be moved to take the place of
the center reflector 1709 such that the light exiting through the
optical exit of the optical channel 1704 enters directly into
imaging unit C. One of ordinary skill in the art would recognize
that the arrangement of reflectors and optical channels could
utilize more or fewer imaging units at various positions without
departing from the spirit and scope of the present invention.
In another embodiment, an imaging unit may be arranged directly at
the optical exit of the optical path to receive an image without
being redirected by a reflector such as a prism, lens, lenses
system or the like. For example, in FIGS. 14-16, an imaging unit
may be placed at the outer perimeter of the optical element tray
facing the side of the optical element tray so that the optical
exit is on the outer edge of the optical element tray. In the
embodiment of FIG. 17, an imaging unit may be placed in the center
of the optical element tray and the light would exit the inner wall
of the optical element tray to reach the imaging unit. Optical
channels may pass through the center of the optical element tray,
or extend from one side to the opposite side and be combined with
any number of reflectors to accomplish the purpose of directing the
light toward an imaging element. These and other embodiments are
described with more detail below with reference to FIGS. 18-21.
FIG. 18 illustrates another embodiment of the optical element tray
including an optical element tray 1801 which contains only optical
channels 1804. Light enters an incoming central reflector 1809 and
is then reflected into one of the optical channels 1804. Which
optical channel the light enters depends on which one is aligned
between the central reflector 1809 and the imaging unit 1807. This
design may also be reversed, where the incoming reflector is
arranged on the outer perimeter of the optical element tray 1801,
and the imaging unit 1807 is positioned within the hole in the
center of the optical element tray 1801.
FIG. 19 illustrates another embodiment of the optical element tray
including an optical element tray 1901 where one of the optical
channels 1904 passes through the geometric center of the circular
optical element tray 1901. This allows for an optical channel 1904
to be longer than the radius of the circular optical element tray.
Light enters the incoming reflector 1910 and is then reflected into
the optical channel 1904. As light exits from the exit of the
optical channel 1904, it is reflected again into the imaging unit
by an outgoing reflector 1908.
In the example of FIG. 19, there are two options for the different
camera window locations that can accommodate different reflector
and optical channel arrangements. The first option is to have an
additional or extended camera window positioned at or extended to
the location of the incoming reflector of the longest optical
channel 1904 when the longest optical channel 1904 is lined up with
the imaging unit 1907. If the longest optical channel 1904 extends
to the opposite end of the optical element tray 1901, a second
option can be used such that the optical channel 1904 and the
optical window openings 1902 share the same camera window. In this
case, if an additional imaging unit 1907 is located at the opposite
side of the optical element tray 1901, then the ordinary optical
window openings 1902 on the optical element tray 1901 can also line
up with another camera window.
FIG. 20 illustrates another embodiment of the optical element tray
in which several optical channels 2004 are arranged around a hole
in the center of an annular optical element tray 2001. Each optical
channel 2004 is paired with another optical channel across the
central hole. Light enters the incoming reflector 2010 and is then
reflected into the first optical channel 2004a. As the light exits
the first optical channel 2004a, it enters the central hole of the
optical element tray and crosses to the other side to enter the
second optical channel 2004b. At the other end of the second
optical channel 2004b, the outgoing reflector 2008 reflects the
light into the imaging unit 2007. The tray rotates to line up one
set of reflectors 2008, 2010 and one pair of optical channels 2004
with the imaging unit 2007. When an optical window opening 2002 is
used, light passes directly through the optical window opening 2002
into the imaging unit 2007.
FIG. 21 illustrates another embodiment of the optical element tray
in which several optical channels are arranged around a central
optical channel 2104c placed in the center of an annular or
circular optical element tray 2101. The central optical channel
2104c is fixed in the center of the annular optical element tray
2101, and the annular optical element tray 2101 rotates around the
central optical channel 2104c to line up one pair of optical
channels with the central optical channel 2104c. When optical
channels 2104a, 2104b are aligned with the central optical channel
2104c, light enters at the incoming reflector 2110 and is reflected
into the first optical channel 2104a. The light exits from the
first optical channel 2104a and then passes through the central
optical channel 2104c to enter the second optical channel 2104b. In
this embodiment, the optical channels do not end with an outgoing
reflector, but instead, the light exits from the optical channel
and then enters the imaging unit 2107a positioned at the outer
perimeter of the optical element tray.
In another embodiment, the central optical channel 2104c contains a
lens or lens stack that is common to all the optical channels. This
allows the same lens or lens stack to be shared among all optical
channel combinations, reducing size, weight, and cost.
Alternatively, the central optical channel 2104c may contain other
optical elements or have no optical elements at all.
A second imaging unit 2107b is placed under the optical element
tray. This imaging unit 2107b operates in combination with the
optical window openings 2102. In another embodiment, the incoming
reflector 2110 is placed at the outer edge of the optical element
tray 2101 where the optical window opening 2102 is. This allows the
pathway of light to extend across the entire diameter of the
annular or circular optical element tray 2101, allowing for long
focal length lens combinations. With this type of arrangement,
optical window openings 2102, incoming reflectors 2110, and optical
channels can be alternated around the perimeter of the optical
element tray 2101. Only a single camera window can be used if the
imaging units 2107a, 2107b are positioned appropriately at opposite
ends of the optical element tray.
FIG. 22 illustrates another embodiment of the optical element tray
which is similar to the embodiment in FIG. 20. The difference is
that the incoming reflector 2203a, 2203b and 2203c are placed at
the outer perimeter of the circular optical element tray such that
each group of optical channels (2205a1/2205a2, 2205b1/2205b2 and
2205c1/2205c2) can make most of the diameter of the optical element
tray to obtain longer focal lengths. The ordinary optical window
openings 2202a-2202f are also placed at the outer perimeter of the
circular optical element tray alternately with the optical
channels. By rotating the circular optical element tray, it's able
to align one of the outgoing reflector 2204a, 2204b, 2204c, or one
of the optical window opening 2202a-2202f with the imaging unit
2206. The optical element tray needs two camera window and only one
imaging unit 2206.
FIGS. 23-25 illustrate several other embodiments of the optical
element tray. In these embodiments, the optical paths do not pass
through the center (e.g., geometric center, or central axis) of the
optical element tray, and each optical channel is completely
independent (i.e., does not intersect with another optical
channel). The incoming reflectors are placed in the optical element
tray adjacent to the perimeter of the optical element tray. An
incoming reflector can be placed at any position that ensures the
optical channels do not interfere with each other. Depending on the
position of each incoming reflector, the optical element tray may
need two or more camera windows. If the outgoing reflector and the
optical window openings are positioned at the outer perimeter of
the optical element tray. By rotating the circular optical element
tray, the outgoing reflector or the optical window opening can be
aligned with the imaging unit. Such an optical element tray uses
only one imaging unit.
FIG. 23 illustrates another embodiment of the optical element tray
including an optical element tray 2301 designed to accommodate
optical element combinations with different focal lengths and/or
optical effects. In one embodiment, two optical components, optical
component 2303a and optical component 2303b, are placed on the
optical element tray 2301. The optical component 2303a and the
optical component 2303b can each include a camera window, a glass
cover, a lens, a stack of lenses, a filter, and/or a stack of
filters. When the optical element tray 2301 rotates, the optical
component 2303a and the optical component 2303b stay in fixed
positions relative to each other and do not rotate with the optical
element tray 2301. In one embodiment, the device incorporating the
optical element tray 2301 has two light entries. A first light
entry is the optical component 2303b. When the optical element tray
2301 is rotated to a desired position, one of the optical window
openings 2302a, 2302b, 2302c, 2302d, 2302e, 2302f, 2302g, and 2306h
is aligned with the optical component 2303b. Light travels through
the optical component 2303b and one of the optical window openings
2302a-2302h, and then projects on an imaging element placed under
the optical element tray 2301. A second light entry is the optical
component 2303a. When the optical element tray 2301 is rotated to a
desired position, the incoming reflector 2304a is aligned with the
optical component 2303a, and the optical channel 2306a is used as
part of the optical path. Light travels through the optical
component 2303a and the incoming reflector 2304a, and is then
redirected to the optical channel 2306a and travels through the
optical channel 2306a including lens(es) and/or other optical
device(s) (if any) that may be in the optical channel 2306a before
reaching the outgoing reflector 2305a. The outgoing reflector 2305a
redirects the light to the imaging element placed under the optical
element tray 2301. When the optical element tray 2301 is rotated to
align the incoming reflector 2304b with the optical component
2303a, the optical channel 2306b and outgoing reflector 2305b are
used as part of the optical path. In addition to or in place of
providing various focal lengths, the optical window openings
2302a-2302h and the optical channels 2306a and 2306b may also
provide various types of optical effects. Neither of the optical
channels 2306a and 2306b passes through the center (e.g., the
geometric center or the central axis of rotation) of the optical
element tray 2301. Depending on the design of an optical system,
the optical component 2303a and the optical component 2303b are
optional. One of ordinary skill in the art would recognize that an
optical element tray can be designed without the optical component
2303a and/or the optical component 2303b.
FIG. 24 illustrates another embodiment of the optical element tray
including an optical element tray 2401 designed to accommodate
optical element combinations with different focal lengths and/or
optical effects. In one embodiment, an optical component 2403a and
an optical component 2403b are placed on the optical element tray
2401. The optical component 2403a and the optical component 2403b
can each include a camera window, a glass cover, a lens, a stack of
lenses, a filter, and/or a stack of filters. When the optical
element tray 2401 rotates, the optical component 2403a, the optical
component 2403b, and the imaging element 2407 stay in fixed
positions relative to each other and do not rotate with the optical
element tray 2401, in one embodiment, the device incorporating the
optical element tray 2401 has two light entries. A first light
entry is the optical component 2403b. When the optical element tray
2401 is rotated to a desired position, one of the optical window
openings 2402a, 2402b, 2402c, 2402d, 2402e, and 2402f is aligned
with the optical component 2403b. Light travels through the optical
component 2403b and one of the optical window openings 2402a-2402f,
and then projects on an imaging element 2407 placed under the
optical element tray 2401. A second light entry is the optical
component 2403a. When the optical element tray 2401 is rotated to a
desired position, the incoming reflector 2404a is aligned with the
optical component 2403a, and the optical channel 2406a is used as
part of the optical path. Light travels through the optical
component 2403a and the incoming reflector 2404a, and is then
redirected to the optical channel 2406a and travels through the
optical channel 2406a including lens(es) and/or other optical
device(s) (if any) that may be in the optical channel 2406a before
reaching the outgoing reflector 2405a. The outgoing reflector 2405a
redirects the light to the imaging element 2407 placed under the
optical element tray 2401. When the optical element tray 2401 is
rotated to align the incoming reflector 404b with the optical
component 2403a, the optical channel 2406b and outgoing reflector
2405b are used as part of the optical path. Likewise, when the
optical element tray 2401 is rotated to align the incoming
reflector 2404c with the optical component 2403a, the optical
channel 2406c and outgoing reflector 2405c are used as part of the
optical path. In addition to or in place of providing various focal
lengths, the optical window openings 2402a-2402f and the optical
channels 2406a-2406c may also provide various optical effects. None
of the optical channels 2406a-2406c passes through the center
(e.g., the geometric center or the central axis of rotation) of the
optical element tray 2401. Depending on the design of an optical
system, the optical component 2403a and the optical component 2403b
are optional. One of ordinary skill in the art would recognize that
an optical element tray can be designed without the optical
component 2403a and/or the optical component 2403b.
FIG. 25 illustrates another embodiment of the optical element tray
including an optical element tray 2501 designed to accommodate
optical element combinations with different focal lengths and/or
optical effects. In one embodiment, an optical component 2503a and
an optical component 2503b are placed on the optical element tray
2501. The optical component 2503a and the optical component 2503b
can each include a camera window, a glass cover, a lens, a stack of
lenses, or a filter. When the optical element tray 2501 rotates,
the optical component 2503a, the optical component 2503b, and the
imaging element 2507 stay in fixed positions relative to each other
and do not rotate with the optical element tray 2501. In one
embodiment, the device incorporating the optical element tray 2501
has two light entries. A first light entry is the optical component
2503b. When the optical element tray 2501 is rotated to a desired
position, one of the optical window openings 2502a, 2502b, 2502c or
2502d will be aligned with the optical component 2503b. Light
travels through the optical component 2503b and one of the optical
window openings 2502a-2502d, and then projects on an imaging
element 2507 placed under the optical element tray 2501. A second
light entry is the optical component 2503a. When the optical
element tray 2501 is rotated to a desired position, the incoming
reflector 2504a is aligned with the optical component 2503a, and
the optical channel 2506a is used as part of the optical path.
Light travels through the optical component 2503a and the incoming
reflector 2504a, and is then redirected along the optical channel
2506a and travels through the optical channel 2506a including
lens(es) and/or other optical device(s) (if any) that may be in the
optical channel 2506a before reaching the outgoing reflector 2505a.
The outgoing reflector 2505a redirects the light to the imaging
element 2507 placed under the optical element tray 2501. When the
optical element tray 2501 is rotated to align the incoming
reflector 2504b with the optical component 2503a, the optical
channel 2506b and outgoing reflector 2505b are used as part of the
optical path. When the optical element tray 2501 is rotated to
align the incoming reflector 2504c with the optical component
2503a, the optical channel 2506c and outgoing reflector 2505c are
used as part of the optical path. Likewise, when the optical
element tray 2501 is rotated to align the incoming reflector 2504d
with the optical component 2503a, the optical channel 2506d and
outgoing reflector 2505d are used as part of the optical path. In
addition to or in place of providing different focal lengths, the
optical window openings 2502a-2502d and the optical channels
2506a-2506d may also provide various optical effects. None of the
optical channels 2506a-2506d passes through the center (e.g., the
geometric center or the central axis of rotation) of the optical
element tray 2501. Depending on the design of an optical system,
the optical component 2503a and the optical component 2503b are
optional. One of ordinary skill in the art would recognize that an
optical element tray can be designed without the optical component
2503a and/or the optical component 2503b.
FIG. 26 illustrates another embodiment of the optical element tray
including an optical element tray 2601, which is a planar plate
tray, and preferably a circular tray. The optical element tray 2601
includes three optical channels 2602a, 2602b, and 2602c that do not
pass through the center (e.g., the geometric center or the central
axis of rotation) of the tray, and includes six optical window
openings 2603a, 2603b, 2603c, 2603d, 2603e, and 2603f formed by
though-holes. Each of these optical window openings can hold one or
more optical elements (e.g., one or more lenses and/or one or more
filters) to produce desirable optical effects (e.g., various focal
lengths and/or filtering effects). In one embodiment, one or more
of the optical window openings do not hold any optical element.
Similarly, each of the optical channels 2602a-2602c can include one
or more optical elements (e.g., one or more lenses and/or one or
more filters) to produce desirable optical effects (e.g., various
focal lengths and/or various filtering effects). Reflectors are
placed at the entrance and exit of each optical channels to change
the direction of the optical paths. Using the optical channel 2602a
as an example, an incoming reflector 2604a (e.g., a mirror or a
right angle prism) is arranged at the entrance of the optical
channel 2602a (at the light entry of the tray where light enters
the tray such that the light traveling towards the tray 2601 can be
reflected by the incoming reflector 2604a into the optical channel
2602a. As illustrated, the incoming reflector 2604a can reflect the
light to redirect its direction of travel from being perpendicular
to the tray surface (i.e., parallel to the central axis of
rotation) to being parallel to the tray surface (i.e.,
perpendicular to the central axis of rotation). In one embodiment,
one or more optical elements 2605a, 2605b, and 2605c can be
arranged in front of the incoming reflectors 2604a, 2604b, and
2604c, respectively, in the optical path. FIG. 26 schematically
shows a lens 2605a is arranged before the incoming reflector 2604a.
At the exit of the optical path 2602a (where the light exit the
tray), an outgoing reflector 2606a is arranged to change the
direction of the optical path at the optical exit. The outgoing
reflector 2606a is a right angle prism with parts being cut, whose
function is the same as a right angle prism. The outgoing reflector
2606a can reflect the light to redirect its direction of travel
from being parallel to the tray surface to being perpendicular to
the tray surface and exit the tray 2601. When the optical element
tray 2601 shown in FIG. 26 is applied to the imaging device such as
a camera, different optical paths formed by optical channels
2602a-2062c and optical window openings 2603a-2603f respectively
can share the same imaging element. Since the optical exits of the
multiple optical paths are substantially the same distance from the
geometric center of the optical element tray 2601, when some
optical path needs to be selected, it only needs to rotate the
optical exit of said optical path to be aligned with the imaging
element. However, an imaging device using the optical element tray
2601 needs two camera windows for the incoming of the light. One is
used for the optical paths formed by the optical window openings
2603a-2603f, and the other is used for the optical paths formed by
the optical channels 2602a-2602c. If the optical entrances of all
the optical paths are arranged to have substantially the same
distance from the geometric center of the optical element tray
2601, it is possible to only use one camera window and two imaging
elements.
FIG. 27 illustrates another embodiment of the optical e element
tray including an optical element tray 2701 designed to accommodate
optical element combinations with various focal lengths and/or
optical effects. The optical element tray 2701 has an incoming
reflector 2702 at the outer perimeter of the optical element tray
2701. An optical component 2703 is placed on the incoming reflector
2702. The optical component 2703 can include a camera window, a
glass cover, a lens, a stack of lenses, a filter, and/or a stack of
filters. Another optical component 2704 is placed on the optical
element tray 2701. The optical component 2704 is aligned with an
imaging element 2705. The optical component 2704 can include a
camera window, a glass cover, a lens, a stack of lenses, a filter,
and/or a stack of filters. When the optical element tray 2701
rotates, the incoming reflector 2702, the optical component 2703,
the optical component 2704, and the imaging element 2705 stay in
fixed positions relative to each other and do not rotate with the
optical element tray 2701. The device incorporating the optical
element tray 2701 has two light entries. A first light entry 2709
lines up with the imaging element 2705. When the optical element
tray 2701 is rotated to a desired position, one of the optical
window openings 2706a, 2706b, 2706c, and 2706d is aligned with the
light entry 2709. Light travels through the optical component 2704
and one of the optical window openings 2706a, 2706b, 2706c, and
2706d, and then projects on the imaging element 2705. A second
light 2710 entry aligns with the incoming reflectors 2702. When the
optical element tray 2701 is rotated to a desired position, the
outgoing reflector 2707 is aligned with the imaging element 2705,
and the optical channel 2708 is used as part of the optical path.
Light travels through the optical component 2703 and the incoming
reflector 2702, and is redirected to the optical channel 2708 and
travels through the optical channel 2708 including lens(es) and/or
other optical device(s) (if any) that may be in the optical channel
2708 before reaching the outgoing reflector 2707. The outgoing
reflector 2707 redirects the light to the imaging element 2705
placed under the optical element tray 2701. In addition to or in
place of providing various focal lengths, the optical window
openings 2706a-2706d and the optical channel 2708 may also provide
various optical effects. The optical channel 2708 passes through
the center (e.g., the geometric center or the central axis of
rotation) of the optical element tray 2701. Depending on the design
of an optical system, the optical component 2703 and the optical
component 2704 are optional. One of ordinary skill in the art would
recognize that an optical element tray can be designed without the
optical component 2703 and/or the optical component 2704.
FIG. 28 illustrates another embodiment of the optical element tray
including an optical element tray 2801 designed to accommodate
optical element combinations with various focal lengths and/or
optical effects. The optical element tray 2801 has an incoming
reflector 2802 at the outer perimeter of the optical element tray
2801. An optical component 2803 is placed on the incoming reflector
2802. The optical component 2803 can include a camera window, a
glass cover, a lens, a stack of lenses, a filter, and/or a stack of
filters. Another optical component 2804 is placed on the optical
element tray 2801. The optical component 2804 is aligned with an
imaging element 2805. The optical component 2804 can include a
camera window, a glass cover, lens, a stack of lenses, a filter,
and/or a stack of filters. When the optical element tray 2801
rotates, the incoming reflector 2802, the optical component 2803
and 2804 and the imaging element 2805 stay in fixed positions
relative to each other and do not rotate with the optical element
tray 2801. In one embodiment, the device incorporating the optical
element tray 2801 has two light entries. The first light entry 2809
lines up with the imaging element 2805. When the optical element
tray 2801 is rotated to a desired position, one of the optical
window openings 2806a, 2806b, 2806c or 2806d is aligned with the
light entry 2809. Light travels through the optical component 2804
and one of the optical window openings 2806a-2806d, and then
projects on the imaging element 2805. A second light entry 2810
aligns with the incoming reflectors 2802. When the optical element
tray 2801 is rotated to a desired position, the outgoing reflector
2807a is aligned with the imaging element 2805, and the optical
channel 2808a is used as part of the optical path. Light travels
through the optical component 2803 and the incoming reflector 2802,
and is then redirected to the optical channel 2808a and travels
through the optical channel 2808a including lens(es) and/or other
optical device(s) (if any) that may be in the optical channel 2808a
before reaching the outgoing reflector 2807a. The outgoing
reflector 2807a redirects the light to the imaging element 2805
placed under the optical element tray 2801. Likewise, if the
optical element tray 2801 is rotated to align an outgoing reflector
2807b with the imaging element 2805, the optical channel 2808b is
aligned with the incoming reflector 2802, and the light travels
through the optical channel 2808b to reach the outgoing reflector
2807b. Then the outgoing reflector 2807b redirects the light to the
imaging element 2805. In addition to or in place of providing
various focal lengths, the optical window openings 2806a-2806d and
the optical channels 2808a and 2808b may provide various optical
effects. Neither of the optical channels 2808a and 2808b passes
through the center (e.g., the geometric center or the central axis
of rotation) of the optical element tray 2801. Depending on the
design of an optical system, the optical component 2803 and the
optical component 2804 are optional. One of ordinary skill in the
art would recognize that an optical element tray can be designed
without the optical component 2803 and/or the optical component
2804.
When the incoming reflector is external to the optical element tray
(e.g., adjacent to the optical element tray), there can be multiple
optical channels embedded in the optical element tray, as long as
each of these optical channels can be aligned with the incoming
reflector. FIG. 29 illustrates the example of an optical element
tray has three optical channels.
FIG. 29 illustrates another embodiment of the optical element tray
including an optical element tray 2901 designed to accommodate
optical element combinations with various focal lengths and/or
optical effects. The optical element tray of FIG. 29 has an
incoming reflector 2902 at the outer perimeter of the optical
element tray 2901. An optical component 2903 is placed on the
incoming reflector 2902. The optical component 2903 can include a
camera window, a glass cover, a lens, a stack of lenses, a filter,
and/or a stack of filters. Another optical component 2904 is placed
on the optical element tray 2901. The optical component 2904 is
aligned with the imaging element 2905. The optical component 2904
can include a camera window, a glass cover, a lens, a stack of
lenses, a filter, and/or a stack of filters. When the optical
element tray 2901 rotates, the incoming reflector 2902, the optical
component 2903, the optical component 2904, and the imaging element
2905 stay in fixed positions relative to each other and do not
rotate with the optical element tray 2901. In one embodiment, the
device incorporating the optical element tray 2901 has two light
entries. A first light entry 2909 lines up with the imaging element
2905. When the optical element tray 2901 is rotated to a desired
position, one of the optical window openings 2906a, 2906b, and
2906c is aligned with the light entry 2909. Light travels through
the optical component 2904 and one of the optical window openings
2906a-2906c, and then projects on the imaging element 2905. A
second light entry 2910 aligns with the incoming reflectors 2902.
When the optical element tray 2901 is rotated to a desired
position, an outgoing reflector 2907a is aligned with the imaging
element 2905, and the optical channel 2908a is used as part of the
optical path. Light travels through the optical component 2903 and
the incoming reflector 2902, and is then redirected to the optical
channel 2908a and travels through the optical channel 2908a
including lens(es) and/or other optical device(s) (if any) that may
be in the optical channel 2908a before reaching the outgoing
reflector 2907a. The outgoing reflector 2907a redirects the light
to the imaging element 2905 placed under the optical element tray
2901. Likewise, when the outgoing reflector 2907b is aligned with
the imaging element 2905, the optical channel 2908b is aligned with
the incoming reflector 2902, and light travels through the optical
channel 2908b. Or when the outgoing reflector 2907c is aligned with
the imaging element 2905, the optical channel 2908c is aligned with
the incoming reflector 2902, and light travels through the optical
channel 2908c. In addition to providing various focal lengths, the
optical window openings 2906a-2906c and the optical channels
2908a-2908c may also provide various optical effects. None of the
optical channels 2908a-2908c passes through the center (e.g., the
geometric center or the central axis of rotation) of the optical
element tray 2901. Depending on the design of an optical system,
the optical component 2903 and the optical component 2904 are
optional. One of ordinary skill in the art would recognize that an
optical element tray can be designed without the optical component
2903 and/or the optical component 2904.
FIG. 30 illustrates another embodiment of the optical element tray
including an optical element tray 3001 designed to accommodate
optical element combinations various focal lengths and/or optical
effects. The optical element tray 3001 has two incoming reflectors
3002a and 3002b embedded in the optical element tray 3001. Optical
component 3003a, optical component 3003b, and optical component
3004 are placed on the optical element tray 3001. The optical
component 3004 is aligned with the imaging element 3005. The
optical components 3003a, 3003b, and 3004 can each include a camera
window, a glass cover, a lens, a stack of lenses, a filter, and/or
a stack of filters. When the optical element tray 3001 rotates, the
optical components 3003a, 3003b, and 3004 and the imaging element
3005 stay in fixed positions relative to each other and do not
rotate with the optical element tray 3001. In one embodiment, the
device incorporating the optical element tray 3001 has three light
entries. A first light entry 3009 lines up with the imaging element
3005. When the optical element tray 3001 is rotated to a desired
position, one of the optical window openings 3006a, 3006b, and
3006c is aligned with the light entry 3009. Light travels through
the optical component 3004 and one of the optical window openings
3006a-3006c, and then projects on the imaging element 3005. When
the optical element tray 3001 is rotated to a desired position, the
incoming reflectors 3002a is aligned with the second light entry
3010, the outgoing reflector 3007a is aligned with the imaging
element 3005, and the optical channel 3008a is used as part of the
optical path. Light travels through the optical component 3003a and
the incoming reflector 3002a, and is then redirected to the optical
channel 3008a and travels through the optical channel 3008a
including lens(es) and/or optical device(s) (if any) that may be in
the optical channel 3008a before reaching an outgoing reflector
3007a. The outgoing reflector 3007a redirects the light to the
imaging element 3005 placed under the optical element tray 3001.
When the optical element tray 3001 is rotated to another desired
position, the incoming reflectors 3002b is aligned with the second
light entry 3011, the outgoing reflector 3007b is aligned with the
imaging element 3005, and the optical channel 3008b is used as part
of the optical path. Light travels through the optical component
3003b and the incoming reflector 3002b, and is then redirected to
the optical channel 3008b and travels through the optical channel
3008b including lens(es) and/or optical device(s) (if any) that may
be in the optical channel 3008b before reaching the outgoing
reflector 3007b. The outgoing reflector 3007b redirects the light
to the imaging element 3005. In addition to or in place of
providing various focal lengths, the optical window openings
3006a-3006c and the optical channels 3008a and 3008b may provide
various optical effects. The optical channel 3008a and 3008b are
not necessary in parallel. The placements of optical channels can
be determined to better utilize the space inside the optical
element tray 3001 to obtain desired optical effects and/or focal
lengths. In one embodiment, the optical channel 3008a passes
through the center (e.g., the geometric center or the central axis
of rotation) of the optical element tray 3001, while the optical
channel 3008b does not pass through this center of the optical
element tray 3001. Depending on the design of an optical system,
the optical component 3003a, 3003b, and 3004 are optional. One of
ordinary skill in the art would recognize that an optical element
tray can be designed without the optical component 3003a, 3003b,
and/or 3004.
FIG. 31 illustrates another embodiment of the optical element tray
including an optical element tray 3101 designed to accommodate
optical element combinations with various focal lengths and/or
optical effects. Two incoming reflectors 3102a and 3102b are
embedded in the optical element tray 3101. An optical component
3103a and an optical component 3103b are placed on the optical
element tray 3101. The optical component 3103a is aligned with the
imaging element 3105. The optical components 3103a and 3103b can
each include a camera window, a glass cover, a lens, a stack of
lenses, a filter, and/or a stack of filters. When the optical
element tray 3101 rotates, the optical components 3103a and 3103b
and the imaging elements 3104 and 3105 stay in fixed positions
relative to each other and do not rotate with optical element tray
3101. In one embodiment, the device incorporating the optical
element tray 3101 has two light entries. A first light entry 3109
lines up with the imaging element 3105. When the optical element
tray 3101 is rotated to a desired position, one of the optical
window openings 3106a, 3106b or 3106c is aligned with the light
entry 3109. Light travels through the optical component 3103a, and
one of the optical window openings 3106a-3106c, and then projects
on the imaging element 3105. When the optical element tray 3101 is
rotated to a desired position, the incoming reflectors 3102a is
aligned with the light entry 3109, the outgoing reflector 3107a is
aligned with the imaging element 3104, and the optical channel
3108a is used as part of the optical path. Light travels through
the optical component 3103a and the incoming reflector 3102a, and
is then redirected to the optical channel 3108a and travels through
the optical channel 3108a including lens(es) and/or other optical
device(s) (if any) that may be in the optical channel 3108a before
reaching the outgoing reflector 3107a. The outgoing reflector 3107a
redirects the light to the imaging element 3104 placed under the
optical element tray 3101. When the optical element tray 3101 is
rotated to another desired position, the incoming reflectors 3102b
is aligned with the light entry 3110 as well as the optical
component 3103b, the outgoing reflector 3107b is aligned with the
imaging element 3104, and the optical channel 3108b is used as part
of the optical path. Light travels through the optical component
3103b and the incoming reflector 3102b, and is then redirected to
the optical channel 3108b and travels through the optical channel
3108b including lens(es) and/or other optical device(s) (if any)
that may be in the optical channel 3108b before reaching the
outgoing reflector 3107b. The outgoing reflector 3107b redirects
the light to the imaging element 3104. In addition to or in place
of providing various focal lengths, the optical window openings
3106a-3106c and the optical channels 3108a and 3108b may provide
various optical effects. In one embodiment, the optical channel
3108a passes through the center (e.g., the geometric center or the
central axis of rotation) of the optical element tray 3001, while
the optical channel 3108b does not pass through this center of the
optical element tray 3001. Depending on the design of an optical
system, the optical component 3103a and 3103b are optional. One of
ordinary skill in the art would recognize that an optical element
tray can be designed without the optical component 3103a and/or
3103b.
FIG. 32 illustrates another embodiment of the optical element tray
including an optical element tray 3201 designed to accommodate
optical element combinations with various focal lengths and/or
optical effects. An incoming reflector 3202 is placed at the outer
perimeter of the optical element tray 3201. An optical component
3203 is placed on the incoming reflector 3202. The optical
component 3203 can include a camera window, a glass cover, a lens,
a stack of lenses, a filter, and/or a stack of filters. Another
optical component 3204 is placed on the optical element tray 3201.
The optical component 3204 is aligned with an imaging element 3205.
The optical component 3204 can include a camera window, a glass
cover, a lens, a stack of lenses, a filter, and/or a stack of
filters. When the optical element tray 3201 rotates, the incoming
reflector 3202, the optical component 3203, the optical component
3204, and the imaging element 3205 stay in fixed positions relative
to each other and do not rotate with the optical element tray 3201.
In one embodiment, the device incorporating the optical element
tray 3201 has two light entries. A first light entry 3209 lines up
with the imaging element 3205. When the optical element tray 3201
is rotated to a desired position, one of the optical window
openings 3206a, 3206b, 3206c, and 3206d is aligned with the light
entry 3209. Light travels through the optical component 3204 and
one of the optical window openings 3206a-3206d, and then projects
on the imaging element 3205. A second light entry 3210 aligns with
the incoming reflectors 3202. When the optical element tray 3201 is
rotated to a desired position, the outgoing reflector 3207a is
aligned with the imaging element 3205, and the group of optical
channels 3208a1 and 3208a2 are used as part of the optical path.
The optical channel 3208a1 and optical channel 3208a2 are aligned.
Light travels through the optical component 3203 and the incoming
reflector 3202, and is redirected to the optical channels 3208a1
and 3208a2 and travels through the optical channels 3208a1 and
3208a2 including lens(es) and/or other optical device(s) (if any)
that may be in the optical channels 3208a1 and 3208a2 before
reaching the outgoing reflector 3207a. The outgoing reflector 3207a
redirects the light to the imaging element 3205 placed under the
optical element tray 3201. Likewise, if the optical element tray
3201 is rotated to align the outgoing reflector 3207b with the
imaging element 3205, the optical channels 3208b1 and 3208b2 are
aligned with the incoming reflector 3202, and light travels through
the optical channels 3208b1 and 3208b2 including lens(es) and/or
other optical device(s) (if any) that may be in the optical
channels 3208a1 and 3208a2 before reaching the outgoing reflector
3207b. Then the outgoing reflector 3207b redirects the light to the
imaging element 3205. In addition to or in place of providing
different focal lengths, the optical window openings 3206a-3206d,
the optical channels 3208a1-3208a2, and the optical channels
3208b1-3208b2 may provide various optical effects. Depending on
whether the incoming reflector 3202 is aligned with the center
(e.g., the geometric center or the central axis of rotation) of the
optical element tray 3201, the optical path including the optical
channels 3208a1-3208a2 can either pass through the center of the
optical element tray 3201 or do not pass the center of the optical
element tray 3201, and likewise, the optical path including the
optical channels 3208b1-3208b2 can either pass through the center
of the optical element tray 3201 or do not pass the center of the
optical element tray 3201. Depending on the design of an optical
system, the optical components 3203 and 3204 are optional. One of
ordinary skill in the art would recognize that an optical element
tray can be designed without the optical components 3203 and/or
3204.
FIG. 33 illustrates another embodiment of the optical element tray
including an optical element tray 3301 designed to accommodate
optical element combinations with various focal lengths and/or
optical effects. The optical element tray 3301 is similar to the
optical element tray 2801, but includes an optical element 3311a
placed under an outgoing reflector 3307a and an optical element
3311b placed under an outgoing reflector 3307b. The optical
component 3311a and the optical component 3311b can each include a
glass cover, a lens, a stack of lenses, a filter, and/or a stack of
filters. The optical element tray 3301 has an incoming reflector
3302 at the outer perimeter of the optical element tray 3301. An
optical component 3303 is placed on the incoming reflector 3302.
The optical component 3303 can include a camera window, a glass
cover, a lens, a stack of lenses, a filter, and/or a stack of
filters. Another optical component 3304 is placed on the optical
element tray 3301. The optical component 3304 is aligned with an
imaging element 3305. The optical component 3304 can include a
camera window, a glass cover, lens, a stack of lenses, a filter,
and/or a stack of filters. When the optical element tray 3301
rotates, the incoming reflector 3302, the optical component 3303
and 3304 and the imaging element 3305 stay in fixed positions
relative to each other and do not rotate with the optical element
tray 3301. In one embodiment, the device incorporating the optical
element tray 3301 has two light entries. The first light entry 3309
lines up with the imaging element 3305. When the optical element
tray 3301 is rotated to a desired position, one of the optical
window openings 3306a, 3306b, 3306c or 3306d is aligned with the
light entry 3309. Light travels through the optical component 3304
and one of the optical window openings 3306a-3306d, and then
projects on the imaging element 3305. A second light entry 3310
aligns with the incoming reflectors 3302. When the optical element
tray 3301 is rotated to a desired position, the outgoing reflector
3307a is aligned with the imaging element 3305, and the optical
channel 3308a is used as part of the optical path. Light travels
through the optical component 3303 and the incoming reflector 3302,
and is then redirected to the optical channel 3308a and travels
through the optical channel 3308a including lens(es) and/or other
optical device(s) (if any) that may be in the optical channel 3308a
before reaching the outgoing reflector 3307a. The outgoing
reflector 3307a redirects the light to the optical element 3311a.
After travelling through the optical element 3311a, the light
reaches the imaging element 3305 placed under the optical element
tray 3301. Likewise, if the optical element tray 3301 is rotated to
align an outgoing reflector 3307b with the imaging element 3305,
the optical channel 3308b is aligned with the incoming reflector
3302, and the light travels through the optical channel 3308b to
reach the outgoing reflector 3307b. Then the outgoing reflector
3307b redirects the light to the optical element 3311b. After
travelling through the optical element 3407b, the light reaches the
imaging element 3305. In addition to or in place of providing
various focal lengths, the optical window openings 3306a-3306d and
the optical channels 3308a and 3308b may provide various optical
effects. Neither of the optical channels 3308a and 3308b passes
through the center (e.g., the geometric center or the central axis
of rotation) of the optical element tray 3301. Depending on the
design of an optical system, the optical component 3303, the
optical component 3304, the optical component 3311a, and the
optical component 3311b are optional. One of ordinary skill in the
art would recognize that an optical element tray can be designed
without the optical component 3303 and/or the optical component
3304.
FIG. 34 illustrates another embodiment of the optical element tray
including an optical element tray 3401 designed to accommodate
optical element combinations with different focal lengths and/or
optical effects. The optical element tray 3401 is similar to the
optical element tray 2301, but includes an optical element 3407a
placed under an outgoing reflector 3405a and an optical element
3407b placed an outgoing reflector 3405b. The optical component
3407a and the optical component 3407b can each include a glass
cover, a lens, a stack of lenses, a filter, and/or a stack of
filters. In one embodiment, two optical components, optical
component 3403a and optical component 3403b, are placed on the
optical element tray 3401. The optical component 3403a and the
optical component 3403b can each include a camera window, a glass
cover, a lens, a stack of lenses, a filter, and/or a stack of
filters. When the optical element tray 3401 rotates, the optical
component 3403a and the optical component 3403b stay in fixed
positions relative to each other and do not rotate with the optical
element tray 3401. In one embodiment, the device incorporating the
optical element tray 3401 has two light entries. A first light
entry is the optical component 3403b. When the optical element tray
3401 is rotated to a desired position, one of the optical window
openings 3402a, 3402b, 3402c, 3402d, 3402e, 3402f, 3402g, and 3406h
is aligned with the optical component 3403b. Light travels through
the optical component 3403b and one of the optical window openings
3402a-3402h, and then projects on an imaging element placed under
the optical element tray 3401. A second light entry is the optical
component 3403a. When the optical element tray 3401 is rotated to a
desired position, the incoming reflector 3404a is aligned with the
optical component 3403a, and the optical channel 3406a is used as
part of the optical path. Light travels through the optical
component 3403a and the incoming reflector 3404a, and is then
redirected to the optical channel 3406a and travels through the
optical channel 3406a including lens(es) and/or other optical
device(s) (if any) that may be in the optical channel 3406a before
reaching the outgoing reflector 3405a. The outgoing reflector 3405a
redirects the light to the optical element 3407a. After travelling
through the optical element 3407a, the light reaches the imaging
element 3408 placed under the optical element tray 3401. When the
optical element tray 3401 is rotated to align the incoming
reflector 3404b with the optical component 3403a, the optical
channel 3406b, outgoing reflector 3405b and optical element 3407b
are used as part of the optical path. In addition to or in place of
providing various focal lengths, the optical window openings
3402a-3402h and the optical channels 3406a and 3406b may also
provide various types of optical effects. Neither of the optical
channels 3406a and 3406b passes through the center (e.g., the
geometric center or the central axis of rotation) of the optical
element tray 3401. Depending on the design of an optical system,
the optical component 3403a, the optical component 3403b, the
optical component 3407a, and the optical component 3407b are
optional. One of ordinary skill in the art would recognize that an
optical element tray can be designed without the optical component
3403a and/or the optical component 3403b.
FIG. 35 illustrates another embodiment of the optical element tray
including an optical element tray 3501 designed to accommodate
optical element combinations with various focal lengths and/or
optical effects. The optical element tray 3501 is similar to the
optical element tray 3201, but includes an optical element 3511a
placed under an outgoing reflector 3507a and an optical element
3511b placed under an outgoing reflector 3507b. The optical
component 3511a and the optical component 3511b can each include a
glass cover, a lens, a stack of lenses, a filter, and/or a stack of
filters. An incoming reflector 3502 is placed at the outer
perimeter of the optical element tray 3501. An optical component
3503 is placed on the incoming reflector 3502. The optical
component 3503 can include a camera window, a glass cover, a lens,
a stack of lenses, a filter, and/or a stack of filters. Another
optical component 3504 is placed on the optical element tray 3501.
The optical component 3504 is aligned with an imaging element 3505.
The optical component 3504 can include a camera window, a glass
cover, a lens, a stack of lenses, a filter, and/or a stack of
filters. When the optical element tray 3501 rotates, the incoming
reflector 3502, the optical component 3503, the optical component
3504, and the imaging element 3505 stay in fixed positions relative
to each other and do not rotate with the optical element tray 3501.
In one embodiment, the device incorporating the optical element
tray 3501 has two light entries. A first light entry 3509 lines up
with the imaging element 3505. When the optical element tray 3501
is rotated to a desired position, one of the optical window
openings 3506a, 3506b, 3506c, and 3506d is aligned with the light
entry 3509. Light travels through the optical component 3504 and
one of the optical window openings 3506a-3506d, and then projects
on the imaging element 3505. A second light entry 3510 aligns with
the incoming reflectors 3502. When the optical element tray 3501 is
rotated to a desired position, the outgoing reflector 3507a is
aligned with the imaging element 3505, and the group of optical
channels 3508a1 and 3508a2 are used as part of the optical path.
The optical channel 3508a1 and optical channel 3508a2 are aligned.
Light travels through the optical component 3503 and the incoming
reflector 3502, and is redirected to the optical channels 3508a1
and 3508a2 and travels through the optical channels 3508a1 and
3508a2 including lens(es) and/or other optical device(s) (if any)
that may be in the optical channels 3508a1 and 3508a2 before
reaching the outgoing reflector 3507a. The outgoing reflector 3507a
redirects the light to the optical element 3511a. After travelling
through the optical element 3511a, the light reaches the imaging
element 3505 placed under the optical element tray 3501. Likewise,
if the optical element tray 3501 is rotated to align the outgoing
reflector 3507b with the imaging element 3505, the optical channels
3508b1 and 3508b2 are aligned with the incoming reflector 3502, and
light travels through the optical channels 3508b1 and 3508b2
including lens(es) and/or other optical device(s) (if any) that may
be in the optical channels 3508a1 and 3508a2 before reaching the
outgoing reflector 3507b. Then the outgoing reflector 3507b
redirects the light to the optical element 3511b. After travelling
through the optical element 3511b, the light reaches the imaging
element 3505. In addition to or in place of providing different
focal lengths, the optical window openings 3506a-3506d, the optical
channels 3508a1-3508a2, and the optical channels 3508b1-3508b2 may
provide various optical effects. Depending on whether the incoming
reflector 3502 is aligned with the center (e.g., the geometric
center or the central axis of rotation) of the optical element tray
3501, the optical path including the optical channels 3508a-3508a2
can either pass through the center of the optical element tray 3501
or do not pass the center of the optical element tray 3501, and
likewise, the optical path including the optical channels
3508b1-3508b2 can either pass through the center of the optical
element tray 3501 or do not pass the center of the optical element
tray 3501. Depending on the design of an optical system, the
optical components 3503, the optical components 3504, the optical
component 3511a, and the optical component 3511b are optional. One
of ordinary skill in the art would recognize that an optical
element tray can be designed without the optical components 3503
and/or 3504.
In various embodiments, when an outgoing reflector is used in front
of an imaging element, the distance between the last optical
element in an optical channel and the imaging element can be
greater than the size of the outgoing reflector. Such circumstances
may require the placement of an optical element in front of the
imaging element (i.e., between the outgoing reflector and the
imaging element when the outgoing reflector and the imaging element
are aligned for capturing an image). The optical component 3311a,
3311b, 3407a, 3407b, 3511a, and 3511b as discussed above with
reference to FIGS. 33-35 are examples rather than restrictions) for
such an optical element. In various embodiments, such as in the
various embodiments illustrated in each of FIGS. 14-17, 19, 20, and
22-32, such an optical element can be placed in front of an imaging
element (e.g., between the outgoing reflector and the imaging
element when the outgoing reflector and the imaging element are
aligned for capturing an image) whenever necessary or appropriate
under applicable design considerations.
FIG. 36 illustrates another embodiment of the optical element tray
including an optical element tray 3601 designed to accommodate
optical element combinations providing for various focal lengths
and/or optical effects and to accommodate two imaging elements
3605a and 3605b. The illustrated embodiment includes four light
entries 3609a, 3609b, 3609c, and 3609d. The light entry 3609a is
aligned with an incoming reflector 3602a. The light entry 3609d is
aligned with an incoming reflector 3602b. The light entry 3609b is
aligned with an optical component 3603b. The light entry 3609c is
aligned with an optical component 3603a. The optical component
3603a and the optical component 3603b can each include a camera
window, a glass cover, a lens, a stack of lenses, a filter, and/or
a stack of filters. The incoming reflectors 3602a and 3602b are
external to the optical element tray 3601, such as placed adjacent
to the outer perimeter of the optical element tray 3601. When the
optical element tray 3601 rotates, the optical component 3610a and
the optical component 3610b rotate with the optical element tray
3601, while the incoming reflector 3602a, the incoming reflector
3602b, the optical component 3603a, the optical component 3603b, a
base 3604, the imaging element 3605a, and the imaging element 3605b
stay in fixed positions relative to each other and do not rotate
with the optical element tray 3601.
As the optical element tray 3601 is rotated to various positions
for taking images, a pair of optical window openings or a pair of
optical channels can be aligned with the imaging element 3605a and
the imaging element 3605b. When optical channel 3608a is aligned
with one of the imaging elements 3605a and 3605b, an optical
channel 3608b is aligned with the other of the imaging elements
3605a and 3605b, such that optical channel 3608a and optical
channel 3608b are called a pair of optical channels. Likewise, the
optical window openings 3606a and the window opening 3606c are
called a pair of optical window opening, and the window opening
3606b and the window opening 3606d are called a pair of optical
window openings. When the optical element tray 3601 is rotated to a
desired position, one pair of the optical window openings 3606a and
3606c, or 3606b and 3606d, is aligned with the light entries 3609b
and 3609c. Light travels separately through the optical components
3603a and 3603b and a pair of the optical window openings 3606a and
3606c (or 3606b and 3606d), and then projects separately on the
imaging element 3605a and the imaging element 3605b. When the
optical element tray 3601 is rotated to another desired position,
the pair of optical channels 3608a and 3608b is aligned with the
incoming reflectors 3602a and 3602b, while the outgoing reflectors
3607a and 3607b are aligned with the imaging elements 3605a and
3605b, respectively. Light travels through the incoming reflector
3602a, and is redirected to the optical channel 3608a and travels
through the optical channel 3608a including one or more lenses
and/or one or more other optical devices (if any) that may be in
the optical channel 3608a before reaching the outgoing reflector
3607a. The outgoing reflector 3607a redirects the light to the
optical element 3610a. After travelling through the optical element
3610a, the light reaches the imaging element 3605a placed under the
optical element tray 3601. Likewise, light travels through the
incoming reflector 3602b, and is redirected to the optical channel
3608b and travels through the optical channel 3608b including one
or more lenses and/or one or more other optical devices (if any)
that may be in the optical channel 3608b before reaching the
outgoing reflector 3607b. The outgoing reflector 3607b redirects
the light to the optical element 3610b. After travelling through
the optical element 3610b, the light reaches the imaging element
3605b placed under the optical element tray 3601. The optical
element 3610b and the optical element 3610b can each be a glass
cover, a lens, a stack of lenses, a filter, and/or a stack of
filters. In addition to or in place of providing different focal
lengths, the optical window openings 3606a-3606d, the optical
channels 3608a and 3608b may provide same or various optical
effects. Depending on the design of an optical system, the optical
components 3603a, the optical components 3603b, the optical
component 3610a, and the optical component 3610b are optional. One
of ordinary skill in the art would recognize that an optical
element tray can be designed without the optical components 3603a,
3603b, 3610a, and/or 3610b.
As illustrated in FIG. 36 and discussed by way of example, but not
by way of restriction, an optical window opening is paired with
another window opening, an optical channel is paired with another
optical channel, and the imaging elements 3605a and 3605b are
symmetrical about the central axis of rotation of the optical
element tray 3601. Such an arrangement is not to be understood as
limiting in various embodiments. In various embodiments, depending
on various design considerations, the relative positions of the
optical window openings, the optical channels, and/or the imaging
elements may vary, each optical window opening can be paired with
either another optical window opening or an optical channel, each
optical channel can be paired with either another optical channel
or an optical window opening, and the imaging elements can be
symmetric or asymmetric about the central axis of rotation of the
optical element tray.
As illustrated in FIG. 36 and discussed by way of example, but not
by way of restriction, the optical element tray 3601 accommodates
the two imaging elements 3605a and 3605b. In various embodiments,
an optical element tray with optical elements arranged as in
various embodiments as discussed in this document, or in various
combinations of these various embodiments, can accommodate any two
or more imaging elements. Using two or more imaging elements in an
imaging system such as a camera allow for 3-dimensional (3D)
imaging, low light imaging, and computation of high depth of focus,
among other things. Using two or more imaging elements can also
allow for reduction of the required range of rotation of the
optical element tray and hence faster switching between optical
paths. While two or more imaging elements are used for these
various purposes, each image can be captured by any one or any
combination of the two or more imaging elements, depending on the
type of the image intended to capture.
In one embodiment, as illustrated in FIG. 36, a guide pole 3611 is
provided, with its longitudinal axis parallel to the axis of
rotation of the optical element tray 3601 (e.g., with its
longitudinal axis aligned to the axis of rotation of the optical
element tray 3601 such that the longitudinal axis of the guide pole
3611 and the axis of rotation of the optical element tray 3601 are
a common axis). Examples for the guide pole 3611 include a linear
piezo motor pole or a guide screw. A slider 3612 is placed around
the guide pole 3611, and can slide along the guide pole 3611 back
and forth (i.e., displaceable along the axis of rotation of the
optical element tray 3601). The optical element tray 3601 rotates
about the slider 3612. When the slider 3612 slides along the guide
pole 3611, the optical element tray 3601 and the slider 3612 stay
in fixed positions relative to each other, such that the optical
element tray 3601 slides with the slider 3612. By displacing the
slider 3612 along the guide pole 3611, the distance between optical
element tray 3601 and the imaging elements 3605a and 3605b are
adjusted, such that the optical element tray 3601 can allow the
imaging elements 3605a and/or 3605b to capture images by focusing
on objects at different distances. In various embodiments, the
guide pole 3611 can be affixed to the base 3604 or the optical
element tray 3601. In one embodiment, the guide pole 3611 is
affixed to the optical element tray 3601, such that it rotates with
the optical element tray 3601. In such an embodiment, multiple
guide poles can be affixed to the optical element tray 3601 at
various locations, with their longitudinal axes in parallel, and a
slider is placed around each guide pole of the multiple guide
poles. The optical element tray 3601 can include a first portion to
which the guide pole 3611 is affixed, and a second portion
including the slider 3612, the optical window openings, and the
optical channels. Alternatively, the optical element tray 3601 can
include a first portion including the guide pole 3611, the optical
window openings, and the optical channels, and a second portion to
which the slider 3612 is affixed. In either way, the slider 3612
can slide along the guide pole 3611 to adjust the distance between
optical channels (and/or optical window openings) and the imaging
elements. In some embodiments, multiple pair of guide poles and
sliders can be distributed in different location of the optical
element tray 3601 such that the distance between optical channels
(and/or optical window openings) and the imaging elements can be
adjusted by coordinating the displacements of the sliders along
their corresponding guide poles. While the optical element tray
3601 is illustrated and discussed as an example, the focusing
technique as discussed with reference to FIG. 36 can be applied to
optical imaging systems with other optical element trays discussed
in this document, such as in the various embodiments discussed with
reference to FIGS. 14-17, 19, 20, and 22-35.
In one embodiment, the optical element tray 3601 is rotated using
permanent magnets and electromagnets (not shown in FIG. 36). For
example, permanent magnets can be embedded in the optical element
tray 3601, while electromagnets can be placed adjacent to the outer
perimeter of the optical element tray 3601. Alternatively,
electromagnets can be embedded in the optical element tray 3601,
while permanent magnets can be placed adjacent to the outer
perimeter of the optical element tray 3601. In either way, the
rotation of the optical element tray 3601 can be controlled by
adjusting electrical currents flowing through the electromagnets.
In other embodiments, the optical element tray 3601 can be rotated
using a stepper motor or a piezo motor. While the optical element
tray 3601 is illustrated and discussed as an example, the rotation
technique as discussed with reference to FIG. 36 can be applied to
optical imaging systems with other optical element trays discussed
in this document, such as in the various embodiments discussed with
reference to FIGS. 14-17, 19, 20, and 22-35.
In various embodiments, the rotation of optical element tray 3601
can be utilized to compensate for shaking, thereby simplifying the
design for image stabilization. By rotating the optical element
tray 3601 in opposite directions alternately, shaking of the
imaging system in the direction tangent to rotation of the optical
element tray 3601 can be compensated. To provide for or enhance
image stabilization in such manner, instead of mounting the imaging
element on a two-directional stabilization platform to implement
image stabilization (as implemented in some existing imaging
systems), the imaging element is mounted on a one-directional
stabilization platform to compensate for the shakes in the
direction orthogonal to directions of rotation of the optical
element tray 3601.
FIG. 37 illustrates another embodiment of the optical element tray
including an optical element tray 3701 designed to utilize the
rotational mechanism of the optical element tray 3701 for image
stabilization. An imaging element 3707 can be driven by a piezo
motor (or electromagnets, not shown in FIG. 37) to slide on rails
3708a and 3700. An imaging system such as a camera or other imaging
device includes the optical element tray 3701 and a movement sensor
(not shown in FIG. 37) to detect the movements of the system. The
optical element tray 3701 can rotate about an axial pole 3706
(whose longitudinal axis aligns with the axis of rotation of the
optical element tray) to align an optical window opening 3705a or
3705b, or an outgoing reflector 3704a or 3704b, with the imaging
element 3707. When a movement of the system is sensed by the
movement sensor as movement components in X direction and Y
direction (in a Cartesian coordinate system as illustrated in FIG.
37, with Z direction parallel to the axis of rotation of the
optical element tray 3701). In response, the imaging element 3707
slides on the rails 3708a and 3708b to compensate the movement in X
direction, and the optical element tray 3701 rotates about the pole
3706 to compensate the movement in Y direction, so as to
substantially stabilize the image projected on the imaging element
3707. In various embodiments, the displacement of the imaging
element 3707 on the rails 3708a and 3708b and/or the rotation of
the optical element tray 3701 are driven by one or more motors
(such as the motor 1206) and controlled by a motor controller (such
as the motor controller 1205).
While a system with the optical element tray 3701, with optical
window openings 3705a and 3705B, optical channels 3703a and 3703b,
incoming reflectors 3702a and 3702b, and outgoing reflectors 3704a
and 3704b, is illustrated in FIG. 37 as an example, the technique
of using the rotation of the optical element tray for image
stabilization as discussed with reference to FIG. 37 can be used in
an imaging system including any optical element tray discussed in
this document, including but not limited to each of the optical
element trays 101, 1401, 1501, 1601, 1701, 1801, 1901, 2001, 2101,
2201, 2301, 2401, 2501, 2601, 2701, 2801, 2901, 3001, 3101, 3201,
3301, 3401, 3501, and 3601.
While optical elements of circular shape are illustrated in FIGS.
14, 26-33, 35, and 36 as examples, they can have other suitable
shapes. In various embodiments, the optical elements (such as the
camera window, the glass cover, the lens, the stack of lenses, the
filter, and/or the stack of filters as discussed in this document)
can each have a circular (round) shape, a square shape, a
rectangular shape, an oval shape, a D-shape, an H-shape, or any
other suitable shape.
In various embodiments as discussed in this document, a "reflector"
can include any optical device capable of redirecting a light
(i.e., changing the direction of traveling of the light). Examples
of the reflector can include a mirror, a prism, a set of mirrors, a
set of prisms, and any combination of one or more mirrors and one
or more prisms. In this document, "light" includes an optical
signal that is in the form of light and carries information that
can be captured by an imaging device. The image device may capture
the information in the form of, for example, static and/or dynamic
visual images such as photographs and video recordings.
In each of optical element trays 2001, 2101, 2201, 3201 and 3501,
optical channels designed are aligned in groups of 2004a-2004b,
2104a-2104b-2104c, 2205a1-2205a2, 2205b1-2205b2, 2205c1-2205c2,
3208a1-3208a2, 3208b1-3208b2, 3508a1-3508a2, and 3508b1-3508b2.
Optical channels in different groups in the same optical element
tray may intersect with each other. In each of these groups of
optical channels, it is not necessary that all optical channels
contain optical elements such as lens, lens stack, aperture, and/or
optical filter. For example, in the optical channel group
3208a1-3208a2, the optical channel 3208a1 can contain certain
optical elements, and the optical channel 3208a2 can be empty (with
no optical element). Or, the optical channel 3208a1 can be empty
while the optical channel 3208a2 can contain certain optical
elements. Alternatively, the optical channels 3208a1 and 3208a2 can
both contain certain optical elements. Such possibilities also
apply to optical channel groups of 2004a-2004b, 2104a-2104b-2104c,
2205a1-2205a2, 2205b1-2205b2, 2205c1-2205c2, 3208b1-3208b2, and
3508b1-3508b2. When an optical channel is empty, light can travel
through it without being altered.
In various embodiments, focusing on an imaging element with an
entire optical element tray may be accomplished by using a liquid
lens, moving the imaging element, moving a focusing lens, moving an
individual lens or a single stack of lenses, or moving the entire
optical element tray. One of ordinary skill in the art would
recognize that when an optical channel is aligned to the imaging
element, focusing on the imaging element may be accomplished by
using a liquid lens, moving the optical channel in the optical
element tray parallel or perpendicularly to the optic axis of such
optical channel, or just moving a focusing lens contained in such
optical channel and such movements can be accomplished by using
voice coil motor, a guide screw, etc.
While as discussed in this document as examples, the movements or
the rotations of the optical element tray can be accomplished by
using motor, one of ordinary skill in the art would recognize the
movements or the rotations of the optical element tray can also be
accomplished manually, which even simplifies the design of the
device incorporating the optical element tray. When the optical
element tray is moved by motor, such optical element tray can have
gear teeth integrated, such that the motor can drive the optical
element tray with gears. The optical element tray can also be
driven by a motor that is integrated into the optical element
tray.
While as discussed in this document as examples, the optical
channels are parallel to the planar surface of the optical element
tray or perpendicular to the central axis of rotation of the
optical element tray, one of ordinary skill in the art would
recognize that the optical channels can be arranged to be in any
suitable directions relative to the planar surface or central axis
of rotation of the optical element tray. In various embodiments,
the angle between the optical channel and the planar surface of the
optical element tray may be greater than zero degree, or the angle
between the optical channel and the central axis of rotation of the
optical element tray may not equal to 90 degrees. In various
embodiments, the optical channels are substantially parallel to the
planar surface of the optical element tray or substantially
perpendicular to the central axis of rotation of the optical
element tray. For example, the angle between the optical channel
and the planar surface of the optical element tray may be greater
than zero degree but less than 20 degrees, or the angle between the
optical channel and the central axis of rotation of the optical
element tray may not equal to 90 degrees but within 70 and 110
degrees. Any geometric arrangement of the optical channels in the
optical element tray can be made without departing from the spirit
and scope of the present invention, as long as the light travels
through the optical channel can be ultimately projected on the
imaging element.
In various embodiments as discussed in this document, multiple
optical paths can share the same imaging element and the same
camera window, can also share the same imaging element but use
multiple camera windows, or share the same camera window but use
multiple imaging elements. Alternatively, the multiple optical
paths can use multiple imaging elements and multiple camera windows
to realize simultaneous imaging of the multiple optical paths. In
other words, more than one optical paths can perform imaging by
their respective camera windows and imaging elements to realize
functions such as 3D imaging.
Although all the implementations using optical channels in the
figures are circular or annular trays, such shapes are not to be
understood as limiting. Similar to optical window openings, the
optical channels can also be applied to (but not limited to)
rectangle, cylindrical ring shape, polygon, or non-regular shapes.
When the optical element tray rotates about an axis that is
perpendicular to its plane, it is functionally equivalent to a
circular tray, as one of ordinary skill in the art would recognize.
When the optical element tray is in the cylindrical ring shape, the
thickness of the tray refers to the thickness of the ring wall of
the cylindrical ring shape, and the optical channels can be located
in the ring wall, for example, parallel to the axis of the
ring.
In various embodiments as discussed in this document, the optical
entrance can be located at the outer wall of the tray, and an
incoming reflector can be arranged at the outside of the outer wall
of the tray such that the light can be directed into the optical
entrance. When the incoming reflector is arranged at the outside of
the outer wall of the tray, the incoming reflector is not necessary
to face the center of the round tray but can be arranged depending
on the optical channels. When the optical channel is not aligned
with the circle center, the incoming reflector or the outgoing
reflector is not necessary to face the circle center.
In various embodiments as discussed in this document, if there are
multiple optical channels inside the optical element tray, the
placement of those optical element tray may vary. The optical axes
of the optical channels can intersect with each other, extend in
parallel (with lights traveling in the same or opposite directions,
or symmetric about the axis of rotation of the optical element
tray. The placement of the optical channels can be determined to
optimally utilize the space inside the optical element tray to
obtain desired optical effects and/or focal lengths.
In another embodiment, two or more optical element trays as
described above can be combined together so that light passes
through the first and second optical element trays before entering
the imaging unit. The first and second optical element trays can be
combined to achieve longer focal lengths by using two optical
element trays with optical channels embedded in them and an
intermediate reflector to couple the optical exit of the first
optical element tray to the optical entrance of the second optical
element tray.
Alternatively, the outgoing reflector of the first optical element
tray can be aligned with the incoming reflector of the second
optical element tray. One advantage of combining optical element
trays containing optical channels in this way is that a single
light entry and a single imaging unit can be shared for both long
and short focal length combinations. For example, the first optical
element tray reflects the light away from the camera window which
is aligned with the imaging unit. After the light exits the first
optical element tray, it enters the second optical element tray and
then is reflected to the position of the image element. The optical
exit of the second optical element tray lines up with the imagine
element. Whether long focal lengths (through optical channels) or
short focal lengths (through optical window openings) are used, the
method of align the imaging unit with a single camera window can be
employed for both situations.
As illustrated in FIG. 2, FIG. 5, and FIG. 7a-7f, multiple optical
element trays can be combined together to achieve a variety of
optical effects using optical elements such as filters, lenses,
lens stacks, reflectors, optical channels, and empty windows. One
of ordinary skill in the art would recognize that any combination
of optical element tray shapes, layouts, optical window openings,
reflectors, optical channels, or imaging units could be used
without departing from the spirit and scope of the present
invention. As with the optical element trays described above, the
optical channels may house one or more lenses, filters or optical
elements arranged to produce the desired focal length. One of
ordinary skill in the art would recognize that a variety of
combinations of the features described herein is possible and any
of the features of any of the optical element trays described
herein may be combined with any of the other features without
departing from the spirit and scope of the present disclosure.
Traditionally, a computer program consists of a finite sequence of
computational instructions or program instructions. It will be
appreciated that a programmable apparatus (i.e., computing device
can receive such a computer program and, by processing the
computational instructions thereof, produce a further technical
effect.
A programmable apparatus includes one or more microprocessors,
microcontrollers, embedded microcontrollers, programmable digital
signal processors, programmable devices, programmable gate arrays,
programmable array logic, memory devices, application specific
integrated circuits, or the like, which can be suitably employed or
configured to process computer program instructions, execute
computer logic, store computer data, and so on. Throughout this
disclosure and elsewhere a computer can include any and all
suitable combinations of at least one general purpose computer,
special-purpose computer, programmable data processing apparatus,
processor, processor architecture, and so on.
It is to be understood that a computer can include a
computer-readable storage medium and that this medium may be
internal or external, removable and replaceable, or fixed. It will
also be understood that a computer can include a Basic Input/Output
System (BIOS), firmware, an operating system, a database, or the
like that can include, interface with, or support the software and
hardware described herein.
Embodiments of the system as described herein are not limited to
applications involving conventional computer programs or
programmable apparatuses that run them. It is contemplated, for
example, that embodiments of the invention as claimed herein could
include an optical computer, quantum computer, analog computer, or
the like.
Any combination of one or more computer readable media may be
utilized. The computer readable medium may be a computer readable
signal medium or a computer readable storage medium. A computer
readable storage medium may be, for example, but not limited to, an
electronic, magnetic, optical, electromagnetic, infrared, or
semiconductor system, apparatus, or device, or any suitable
combination of the foregoing. More specific examples (a
non-exhaustive list) of the computer readable storage medium would
include the following: an electrical connection having one or more
wires, a portable computer diskette, a hard disk, a random access
memory (RAM), a read-only memory (ROM), an erasable programmable
read-only memory (EPROM or Flash memory), an optical fiber, a
portable compact disc read-only memory (CD-ROM), an optical storage
device, a magnetic storage device, or any suitable combination of
the foregoing. In the context of this document, a computer readable
storage medium may be any tangible medium that can contain, or
store a program for use by or in connection with an instruction
execution system, apparatus, or device.
Computer program instructions can be stored in a computer-readable
memory capable of directing a computer or other programmable data
processing apparatus to function in a particular manner. The
instructions stored in the computer-readable memory constitute an
article of manufacture including computer-readable instructions for
implementing any and all of the depicted functions.
The elements depicted in flowchart illustrations and block diagrams
throughout the figures imply logical boundaries between the
elements. However, according to software or hardware engineering
practices, the depicted elements and the functions thereof may be
implemented as parts of a monolithic software structure, as
standalone software modules, or as modules that employ external
routines, code, services, and so forth, or any combination of
these. All such implementations are within the scope of the present
disclosure.
In view of the foregoing, it will now be appreciated that elements
of the block diagrams and flowchart illustrations support
combinations of means for performing the specified functions,
combinations of steps for performing the specified functions,
program instruction means for performing the specified functions,
and so on.
It will be appreciated that computer program instructions may
include computer executable code. A variety of languages for
expressing computer program instructions are possible, including
without limitation C, C++, Java, JavaScript, assembly language,
Lisp, HTML, Perl, and so on. Such languages may include assembly
languages, hardware description languages, database programming
languages, functional programming languages, imperative programming
languages, and so on. In some embodiments, computer program
instructions can be stored, compiled, or interpreted to run on a
computer, a programmable data processing apparatus, a heterogeneous
combination of processors or processor architectures, and so on.
Without limitation, embodiments of the system as described herein
can take the form of web-based computer software, which includes
client/server software, software-as-a-service, peer-to-peer
software, cloud computing, or the like.
In some embodiments, a computer enables execution of computer
program instructions including multiple programs or threads. The
multiple programs or threads may be processed more or less
simultaneously to enhance utilization of the processor and to
facilitate substantially simultaneous functions. By way of
implementation, any and all methods, program codes, program
instructions, and the like described herein may be implemented in
one or more thread. The thread can spawn other threads, which can
themselves have assigned priorities associated with them. In some
embodiments, a computer can process these threads based on priority
or any other order based on instructions provided in the program
code.
Unless explicitly stated or otherwise clear from the context, the
verbs "execute" and "process" are used interchangeably to indicate
execute, process, interpret, compile, assemble, link, load, any and
all combinations of the foregoing, or the like. Therefore,
embodiments that execute or process computer program instructions,
computer-executable code, or the like can suitably act upon the
instructions or code in any and all of the ways just described.
Throughout this disclosure and elsewhere, block diagrams and
flowchart illustrations depict methods, apparatuses (i.e.,
systems), and computer program products. Each element of the block
diagrams and flowchart illustrations, as well as each respective
combination of elements in the block diagrams and flowchart
illustrations, illustrates a function of the methods, apparatuses,
and computer program products. Any and all such functions
("depicted functions") can be implemented by computer program
instructions; by special-purpose, hardware-based computer systems;
by combinations of special purpose hardware and computer
instructions; by combinations of general purpose hardware and
computer instructions; and so on--any and all of which may be
generally referred to herein as a "circuit," "module," or
"system."
While the foregoing drawings and description set forth functional
aspects of the disclosed systems, no particular arrangement of
software for implementing these functional aspects should be
inferred from these descriptions unless explicitly stated or
otherwise clear from the context.
Each element in flowchart illustrations may depict a step, or group
of steps, of a computer-implemented method. Further, each step may
contain one or more sub-steps. For the purpose of illustration,
these steps (as well as any and all other steps identified and
described above) presented in order. It will be understood that an
embodiment can contain an alternate order of the steps adapted to a
particular application of a technique disclosed herein. All such
variations and modifications are intended to fall within the scope
of this disclosure. The depiction and description of steps in any
particular order is not intended to exclude embodiments having the
steps in a different order, unless required by a particular
application, explicitly stated, or otherwise clear from the
context.
The functions, systems and methods herein described could be
utilized and presented in a multitude of languages. Individual
systems may be presented in one or more languages and the language
may be changed with ease at any point in the process or methods
described above. One of ordinary skill in the art would appreciate
that there are numerous languages the system could be provided in,
and embodiments of the present invention are contemplated for use
with any language.
In addition to the examples discussed under the SUMMARY section,
some non-limiting examples of the present system are provided as
follows:
Example 1 includes a system for directing optical signals to an
imaging element. The system may include a first optical entrance
configured to receive a first optical signal, a second optical
entrance configured to receive a second optical signal, and an
optical element tray. The optical element tray may include a
plurality of optical elements having optical characteristics
different from each other. The optical element tray may be
configured to be moveable to form an optical path allowing one of
the first optical signal and the second optical signal to travel to
the imaging element through one or more optical elements of the
plurality of optical elements.
In Example 2, the subject matter of Example 1 may optionally be
configured such that the optical element tray includes a circular
tray having a central axis and configured to be rotated about the
central axis. The circular tray includes one or more optical
openings each allowing passage of light in a direction
substantially parallel to the central axis and one or more optical
channels each allowing passage of light in a direction
substantially perpendicular to the central axis. The plurality of
optical elements includes optical elements each placed in an
optical opening of the one or more optical openings or an optical
channel of the one or more optical channels.
In Example 3, the subject matter of Example 2 may optionally be
configured such that the first optical entrance is positioned to
allow alignment with an optical opening of the one or more optical
openings to form the optical path being a linear path.
In Example 4, the subject matter of Example 3 may optionally be
configured to further include a first reflector and a second
reflector. The first reflector is configured and positioned to
receive the second optical signal from the second optical entrance
and redirect the second optical signal to a selected optical
channel of the one or more optical channels. The second reflector
is configured and positioned to receive the second optical signal
from the selected optical channel and redirect the second optical
signal to the imaging element.
In Example 5, the subject matter of Example 4 may optionally be
configured such that the first reflector is positioned external to
the optical element tray.
In Example 6, the subject matter of Example 4 may optionally be
configured such that the first reflector is incorporated into the
optical element tray.
In Example 7, the subject matter of any one or any combination of
Examples 1 to 6 may optionally be configured such that the first
optical entrance, the second optical entrance, and the imaging
element are positioned at locations that are fixed relative to each
other.
In Example 8, the subject matter of any one or any combination of
Examples 2 to 7 may optionally be configured such that the one or
more optical channels are positioned to intersect with the central
axis.
In Example 9, the subject matter of any one or any combination of
Examples 2 to 8 may optionally be configured such that the one or
more optical channels include optical channels positioned to
intersect with each other.
In Example 10, the subject matter of any one or any combination of
Examples 2 to 7 may optionally be configured such that the one or
more optical channels include optical channels having optical axes
positioned symmetrically about the central axis.
In Example 11, the subject matter of any one or any combination of
Examples 1 to 10 may optionally be configured such that the
plurality of optical elements includes optical lenses having
different focal lengths.
In Example 12, the subject matter of any one or any combination of
Examples 1 to 11 may optionally be configured such that the
plurality of optical elements includes one or more optical
filters.
Example 13 includes an optical imaging system. The optical imaging
system may include a first optical entrance configured to receive a
first optical signal, a second optical entrance configured to
receive a second optical signal, an optical imaging element, a
circular optical element tray, and a motor. The optical imaging
element may be configured to capture a photographic image. The
circular optical element tray may have a central axis and
configured to be rotated about the central axis, and may include a
plurality of optical elements having optical characteristics
different from each other. The optical element tray may be
configured to be moveable to form an optical path allowing one of
the first optical signal and the second optical signal to travel to
the imaging element through one or more optical elements of the
plurality of optical elements. The motor may be configured to
rotate the optical element tray to a position allowing the optical
path to be formed.
In Example 14, the subject matter of Example 13 may optionally be
configured to include a camera including the first optical
entrance, the second optical entrance, the optical imaging element,
the optical element tray, and the motor.
In Example 15, the subject matter of Example 14 may optionally be
configured such that the camera includes a digital camera.
In Example 16, the subject matter of Example 15 may optionally be
configured to include a cellphone including the digital camera.
In Example 17, the subject matter of any one or any combination of
Examples 13 to 16 may optionally be configured such that the
optical element tray includes one or more optical openings each
allowing passage of light in a direction substantially parallel to
the central axis and one or more optical channels each allowing
passage of light in a direction substantially perpendicular to the
central axis. The plurality of optical elements includes optical
elements each placed in an optical opening of the one or more
optical openings or an optical channel of the one or more optical
channels.
In Example 18, the subject matter of Example 17 may optionally be
configured to further include a first reflector and a second
reflector. The first reflector is configured and positioned to
receive the second optical signal from the second optical entrance
and redirect the second optical signal to a selected optical
channel of the one or more optical channels. The second reflector
is configured and positioned to receive the second optical signal
from the selected optical channel and redirect the second optical
signal to the imaging element. The motor is configured to rotate
the optical element tray to form the optical path selected from one
or more linear paths and one or more nonlinear paths. The one or
more linear paths are each formed by including the first optical
entrance and an optical opening of the one or more optical
openings. The one or more nonlinear paths are each formed by
including the first reflector, the second reflector, and the
selected optical channel.
In Example 19, the subject matter of Example 18 may optionally be
configured such that the first optical entrance, the second optical
entrance, and the imaging element are positioned at locations that
are fixed relative to each other, the first reflector is positioned
adjacent to the optical element tray, and the second reflector is
incorporated into the optical element tray.
In Example 20, the subject matter of Example 18 may optionally be
configured such that the first reflector and the second reflector
are incorporated into the optical element tray.
Example 21 includes a system for directing light to an imaging
element. The system may include a circular optical element tray,
and an outgoing reflector. The circular optical element tray may
have a central axis and may be configured to be rotatable about the
central axis to a position selected from a plurality of positions
each allowing for formation of an optical path directing the light
to the imaging element. The optical element tray may include one or
more optical openings, one or more optical channels, and a
plurality of optical elements. The one or more optical openings may
each be positioned to receive the light and allow the light to
travel in a direction substantially parallel to the central axis.
The one or more optical channels may each be positioned to receive
the light and allow the light to travel in a direction
substantially perpendicular to the central axis. The optical
elements may have optical characteristics different from each
other, and may each be placed in an optical opening of the one or
more optical openings or an optical channel of the one or more
optical channels. The outgoing reflector may be configured to
receive the light from an optical opening of the one or more
optical openings or an optical channel of the one or more optical
channels and to redirect the light towards the imaging element.
In Example 22, the subject matter of Example 21 may optionally be
configured to further include a first optical entrance configured
to receive the light. An optical opening is selected from the one
or more optical openings to receive the light from the first
optical entrance, and the optical element tray is configured to be
rotatable to a position allowing for formation of an optical path
including the first optical entrance and the selected optical
opening.
In Example 23, the subject matter of any one or any combination of
Examples 21 and 22 may optionally be configured to further include
a second optical entrance configured to receive the light and an
incoming reflector configured and positioned to receive the light
from the second optical entrance and redirect the light to a
selected optical channel of the one or more optical channels. The
outgoing reflector is configured and positioned to receive the
light from the selected optical channel and redirect the light
toward the imaging element. The optical element tray is configured
to be rotatable to a position allowing for formation of an optical
path including the second optical entrance, the incoming reflector,
the selected optical channel, and the outgoing reflector.
In Example 24, the subject matter of Example 23 may optionally be
configured such that the incoming reflector is external to the
optical element tray, and the outgoing reflector is included in the
optical element tray.
In Example 25, the subject matter of Example 23 may optionally be
configured such that the incoming reflector and the outgoing
reflector are included in the optical element tray.
In Example 26, the subject matter of any one or any combination of
Examples 23 to 25 may optionally be configured such that the one or
more optical channels are each positioned to intersect with the
central axis.
In Example 27, the subject matter of any one or any combination of
Examples 23 to 26 may optionally be configured such that the one or
more optical channels include optical channels positioned to
intersect with each other.
In Example 28, the subject matter of any one or any combination of
Examples 23 to 25 may optionally be configured such that the one or
more optical channels include optical channels having optical axes
positioned symmetrically about the central axis.
In Example 9, the subject matter of any one or any combination of
Examples 21 to 28 may optionally be configured such that the
plurality of optical elements includes optical lenses having
different focal lengths.
In Example 30, the subject matter of any one or any combination of
Examples 23 to 29 may optionally be configured such that the
plurality of optical elements further includes one or more optical
filters.
While multiple embodiments are disclosed, still other embodiments
of the present invention will become apparent to those skilled in
the art from this detailed description. The invention is capable of
myriad modifications in various obvious aspects, all without
departing from the spirit and scope of the present invention.
Accordingly, the drawings and descriptions are to be regarded as
illustrative in nature and not restrictive. The scope of the
present subject matter should be determined with reference to the
appended claims, along with the full scope of legal equivalents to
which such claims are entitled.
* * * * *